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: Bleeding, open sores, swelling, pus, severe pain, not moving, not eating, or flystrike risk
- Call today if: Redness, hair loss, callus, or mild limping while eating normally
- Do not: Do not apply harsh disinfectants or tight wraps; do not keep on wire or wet bedding
- Tell the vet: Flooring, bedding, weight, activity, wound photos, pain, appetite, urine scald, and mobility
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
What changes urgency for this page
- Rex-type coats, overweight rabbits, seniors, hard flooring, damp bedding, and low mobility increase risk
What the vet is trying to rule out
- Wound depth, infection, pain, flooring cause, weight/mobility, and dressing safety
Source-tied safety note
Merck Veterinary Manual: pododermatitis in rabbits: Merck includes pododermatitis among rabbit health conditions requiring management.
Page-specific owner FAQ
Are sore hocks just cosmetic?
No. Open or painful sores can become infected.
Should I wrap the feet?
Only with veterinary guidance, because tight or wet wraps can worsen injury.
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows RWAF, House Rabbit Society, and exotic small-mammal medicine standards, source-cited; veterinary review pending.
Related pages in this emergency hub
Source-cited guidance; veterinary review pending.