Sore hocks--any other suggestions?

[EnglishSpot]

Poor Wheatley!!!

I've had Megan in his cage daily since Monday trying to get her bred and he really has to chase her and wrestle her around. I thought at first she'd bit him somewhere but when I got a hold of him, I saw two spots the size of quarters on his feet that were raw!! This in a NZR!!!

I cleaned up his feet and then applied Blu-Kote (you should see how purple my hands are). I put in an extra resting board and a layer of straw where the resting boards don't cover. Should I just use a thick layer of straw rather than the boards??

I read on the threads here that I should apply either Preperation H or Neosporin to his feet. Should I do that in addition to the Blu-Kote? Should I apply Blu-Kote daily?

So keep his cage dry, keep his feet well supported, keep those spots from getting infected. Anything else??

 

[ladysown]

if they aren't infected to the bone they should heal up well. Just keep a watch on them. Make sure that resting board doesn't get wet.

 

[caroline]

I like to use a 4'x8' sheet of plastic lattice to make my resting boards
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Veranda-Whit ... /100011154

It is easy to clean and has holes for the urine and manure to fall through so it will stay dry.
I cut into 1'x2' sections. I used to cut 1'x1' but the larger pieces take the rabbits longer to chew up :lol:

 

[Miss M]

I think you would just pick one of the three to use... many members don't have Blu-Kote on hand. You don't need to apply it daily, just when it looks like it's wearing off, if I'm not mistaken.

I have a NZW who gets sore hocks easily, and I actually started putting terrycloth-sole toddler socks on her. I have to put a ring of medical tape around the ankle, because she likes to take them off. :roll:

 

[EnglishSpot]

I did re-apply the Blu-Kote on the days after chasing Meg around he tore up his feet a little bit again on the cement floor. I pulled out the resting pad because it was staying wet (this rabbit pees A LOT) and loaded him up with about 2" of straw, which I change daily. His feet are looking much better thanks to all the suggestions and advice here on RT!! Thank you, everyone!!!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I'm a bit late to this thread, but am glad to hear that Wheatley is improving! :bouncy:

I suspect that sometimes sore hocks are caused by fungus, which is why breeds other than rex (and rex themselves) sometimes get them. Blu-kote is great because it is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

That said, so is raw honey- and I have had great success with a recipe I concocted:

Approximately 2 tbsp raw honey
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt

If you warm the honey and/or the ACV the salt will dissolve faster. Mix well.

I would also recommend cleaning the floor of the cage with Betadine in case there is a bacterial or fungal element involved.

 

[Miss M]

So glad he's getting better!

About the honey, absolutely, honey is a great healer! Anyone living in an area with fire ants will want to bring the rabbit indoors to treat with honey, though. :x