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Sore Feet and Hocks (Pododermatitis)
(c) Gryph- if you repost this article, please post with a link back to my website.
The contents herein, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think your animal has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately. Edelweiss Ranch does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, veterinarians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is entirely at your own risk.
Sore feet and hocks are a fairly common problem with rabbits, and is typically easily remedied. It can be easy to miss the symptoms so becoming familiar with them is important to head problems off early before they become a more serious issue.
Pododermatitis is a pressure sore on the base of the feet that starts off as a skin problem and progresses to affect deeper tissues. Damage to the blood supply leads to deeper inflammation and infection. Once the skin is damaged it's easy for bacterial infection to occur. Left untreated, the minor skin problem progresses to affect other tissues including the tendons and bones in the foot. Pododermatitis can be extremely debilitating. The most common infection involved is Staphylococcus aureus, but other bacteria can also infect the inflamed tissues. Feet issues can also be caused by fungal infections which can cause hair loss on the feet.
Usually the back feet are the most affected since they support most of the rabbit's weight, although the front feet can also be affected. The rabbit's stance may be abnormal- they may tap their feet constantly, or stretch their back legs out. The rabbit may be reluctant to move, suffer from anorexia or reduced appetite, and exhibit signs of depression and/or aggression. The condition may be fatal if pain leads to anorexia or if an infection spreads.
An increase in pressure on the tissues in the base of the feet can occur for several reasons. Disruption of the rabbit's normal stance or movement can be a contributing factor, as can obesity. Giant breeds are more at risk since they are heavier. Poor conformation or a leg or spinal injury may lead to increased weight-bearing on a specific foot or the wrong part of the foot. Pain may cause a rabbit to move around less. Arthritis may cause a rabbit to bear their weight abnormally or move with an irregular gait. Rabbits whose nails are regularly overgrown will place more weight on the back of their feet. Rex and mini rex rabbits have less skin protection than other breeds due to their lack of guard hairs and thinner coat. Rabbits kept on wet or soiled bedding/litter or wood surfaces are more likely to damage the skin on their feet.
Pododermatitis is a pressure sore on the base of the feet that starts off as a skin problem and progresses to affect deeper tissues. Damage to the blood supply leads to deeper inflammation and infection. Once the skin is damaged it's easy for bacterial infection to occur. Left untreated, the minor skin problem progresses to affect other tissues including the tendons and bones in the foot. Pododermatitis can be extremely debilitating. The most common infection involved is Staphylococcus aureus, but other bacteria can also infect the inflamed tissues. Feet issues can also be caused by fungal infections which can cause hair loss on the feet.
Usually the back feet are the most affected since they support most of the rabbit's weight, although the front feet can also be affected. The rabbit's stance may be abnormal- they may tap their feet constantly, or stretch their back legs out. The rabbit may be reluctant to move, suffer from anorexia or reduced appetite, and exhibit signs of depression and/or aggression. The condition may be fatal if pain leads to anorexia or if an infection spreads.
An increase in pressure on the tissues in the base of the feet can occur for several reasons. Disruption of the rabbit's normal stance or movement can be a contributing factor, as can obesity. Giant breeds are more at risk since they are heavier. Poor conformation or a leg or spinal injury may lead to increased weight-bearing on a specific foot or the wrong part of the foot. Pain may cause a rabbit to move around less. Arthritis may cause a rabbit to bear their weight abnormally or move with an irregular gait. Rabbits whose nails are regularly overgrown will place more weight on the back of their feet. Rex and mini rex rabbits have less skin protection than other breeds due to their lack of guard hairs and thinner coat. Rabbits kept on wet or soiled bedding/litter or wood surfaces are more likely to damage the skin on their feet.
Preventative Measures
- Supportive appropriate wire floors are best for your rabbit, as they decrease your rabbit's chances of being in contact with moisture and bacteria
- Trim nails regularly
- Check your rabbit's feet often
- Check your rabbit's housing for any surfaces which can remain wet and for rough edges
- Encourage exercise
- Feed a nutritionally sound diet
- Regularly clean and sanitize your rabbit's housing area
Treatment
- Ensure that your rabbit's nails are short
- Clean the feet
- Provide a safe surface for your rabbit to get off of their wire cage such as an appropriate cage mat
- Treat for fungal infection (OTC athlete's foot treatment or Blu-Kote work)
- Restrict activity if tissues are severely damaged, but encourage activity in the long-term
- Ensure your rabbit’s bedding is not abrasive- surfaces too rough can irritate the wound and cause pain
- Sanitize and disinfect the rabbit's housing area
