Whether you have a house rabbit, or you keep your pet outdoors, rabbits can be prone to Sore Hocks, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent this including simply reviewing your choice of rabbit litter and rabbit bedding.
Good nutrition and hygiene practice is at the heart of preventing most rabbit ailments and regular clean-outs of your rabbit’s hutch and supplying a fresh layer or rabbit litter and rabbit bedding is one of the easiest ways to ward off a whole range of illnesses, including Sore Hocks.
Here we shall take a look at what Sore Hocks is, how to prevent it and some of the things to think about when buying rabbit litter and rabbit bedding.
Rabbit Litter - click here to buy our universal bedding from our online shop.
What is Sore Hocks?
Sore Hocks mainly affects a rabbit’s back feet and it is very uncomfortable and painful for your pet. It is important that you see your veterinary surgeon at the first sign of Sore Hocks so it can be treated, as in extreme cases, if your rabbit is very badly infected, it may have to be put down.
What Does Sore Hocks Look Like?
Sore Hocks can be identified when a rabbit’s hocks (the joint in the hind leg similar to the ankle in humans) loses its fur and the feet become reddened, swollen and sometimes scabbed, making movement difficult. If left untreated, it can spread to the front feet and also become infected.
What Causes Sore Hocks?
The most common cause of Sore Hocks is damp or soiled hutches with dirty rabbit bedding or litter. However, certain breeds are more prone to this and elderly and overweight rabbits can get Sore Hocks. Other factors that can contribute to this are wire flooring, litter or bedding which is too hard or rough (or no bedding layer at all) and rabbits with toe nails that have grown too long.
How SmartBedz Can Prevent Sore Hocks
Prevention is always the best course of action and one of the best ways to stop your rabbit getting Sore Hocks is good hygiene practice.
To start with your rabbit’s hutch should have a soft, non abrasive surface to walk on. Definitely to be avoided are materials such as wood shavings or chips, or untreated straw or hemp which can contain sharp pieces. SmartBedz rabbit litter is made out of crushed straw which is pressed together into pellets and this breaks down to provide a soft layer for your pet. The sleeping quarters should also have a deep layer of hay on top of the SmartBedz rabbit bedding so it helps to reduce the pressure on the foot.
If your rabbit’s hutch has not been cleaned for a while, the bedding will become damp and soiled with droppings and this is not healthy for your pet. SmartBedz rabbit litter and rabbit bedding is extremely absorbent so it helps keep your rabbit clean and dry. As the soiled pellets swell on impact with urine, they are easily identifiable so you can spot clean the hutch daily in between thorough weekly clean outs. Highly absorbent rabbit litter is something to look out for when buying for your pet.
Other Ways to Prevent Sore Hocks
Giving your rabbit a daily run on a grassed area can also help prevent Sore Hocks as it helps ease the pressure off their hind feet. Also ensure that your rabbit's hutch and especially its sleeping area is large enough for your rabbit to lie down comfortably, so that it is not forced to keep its weight on its feet while sleeping or relaxing.
Another way to prevent Sore Hocks is to make sure your rabbit’s nails are kept short and clipped. If you find this hard to do yourself, take your rabbit to the vet who will charge a small fee for nail clipping.
Treating Sore Hocks
If your rabbit has Sore Hocks, in severe cases it may avoid eating as it is too painful to stand. This is why it is important to contact your local vet in the early stages so they can treat your pet and nurse it back to health.
There are a variety of ways your vet may treat Sore Hocks and this includes supplying antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or pain killing drugs, or providing topical treatments. Before you return your rabbit back to its hutch, take a good look at your pet’s living quarters and make sure your rabbit has enough room to exercise and the hutch is completely clean and dry with a fresh, deep layer of rabbit litter.
About SmartBedz
SmartBedz is a universal pet litter and bedding that is suitable for a wide range of animals including cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, rabbits, gerbils and tortoises.
Rabbit Bedding - click here to buy our universal bedding from our online shop.
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