Pet Rabbits And Sore Hocks

Any rabbit can get sore hocks. Hocks are the back part of the foot - like the heel. The first stage is when the fur starts to be worn away. Then you can see irritation in the skin. In more advanced cases, the flesh can be broken or even worn down to the bone.

Heavier rabbits are more prone to store hocks. But I've seen it in a rabbit as light as 2 lbs.

You can prevent sore hocks by providing a solid resting surface inside the cage. It does increase the effort needed to keep the cage clean, so I only use the surface if I see the fur begin to wear.

Most of my Holland lops do not require a solid surface ever, being one of the lighter breeds. For the few that do need a little relief from the wire cage bottom, I provide a large ceramic tile until the fur regrows - usually just a week or two. Others use a piece of plywood. Another option, which is preferable if you only have one or a few bunnies, is to purchase a resting mat.

The advantage of the mat is that is has spaces for waste to fall between, keeping the bunny cleaner.

With pet rabbits, a resting mat and periodic inspection of the hocks is probably all of the sore hock measure you will need to take. Awareness is your number one tool.

Laurie Stroupe
Precious Pet Rabbits
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