Sore hocks in rabbits
Sore hocks (pododermatitis) are red, thinned, or ulcerated areas on the underside of a rabbit’s hind feet, caused by pressure, wet or hard flooring, obesity, or inactivity. Mild cases need husbandry changes and a vet check; see a vet promptly if the skin is broken, bleeding, infected, or your rabbit is reluctant to move. Provide soft, clean, dry resting surfaces while you arrange care.
Fast answer for owners
- Go now if: Open, bleeding, or clearly infected sores; Reluctance to move or stand; Swelling with pain or not eating.
- Call today if: Red or thinned fur on the underside of the hocks; Early calluses without broken skin.
- Do not: Ask the vet before giving medicines, forced feeding, home remedies, or delaying care.
- Tell the vet: Record last eating, drinking, droppings, urination, behaviour change, pain signs, temperature, toxins, trauma, and medications.
Go to a vet now if
- Open, bleeding, or clearly infected sores
- Reluctance to move or stand
- Swelling with pain or not eating
Call a vet today if
- Red or thinned fur on the underside of the hocks
- Early calluses without broken skin
What to tell the vet
- How the feet look (redness, sores, depth)
- Flooring and bedding
- Your rabbit's weight and activity
- Mobility and willingness to move
- Any limping
- Weight and conditions
What not to do
- Do not house on wire or hard, dirty flooring
- Do not apply human creams without vet advice
- Do not let an overweight rabbit stay inactive
What your vet may check
Your vet may grade the sores, treat any infection, address weight and flooring, and advise on padding and nursing.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
Recovery relies on soft clean bedding and weight management; your vet may suggest daily support such as WOOLY daily care as part of overall condition.
Frequently asked questions
What causes sore hocks in rabbits?
Pressure on the feet from hard or wet flooring, obesity, inactivity, and poor nail care are common causes. A vet can grade severity and guide treatment.
Can sore hocks be cured?
Mild cases often improve with soft, dry bedding, weight control, and good husbandry. Deeper, infected sores need veterinary treatment and can be slow to heal.
What bedding is best to prevent sore hocks?
Soft, clean, dry surfaces and plenty of room to move, with no wire flooring. Ask your vet for specific recommendations for your rabbit.
Related emergency guides
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows RWAF, House Rabbit Society, and exotic small-mammal medicine standards, source-cited and pending named veterinary review.
Related pages in this emergency hub
Source-cited guidance; pending named veterinary review.