How to Prevent Sore Hocks (Pododermatitis) in Pet Rabbits
📝 Summary
Sore hocks (pododermatritis) in rabbits come from two main causes — mite infection and thin wire cage floors — both of which cut foot circulation, injure the sole, and let Staphylococcus in (heavier rabbits suffer most). Prevention means clearing mites with ivermectin on a set schedule, using a smooth bamboo base board, boosting nutrition, and keeping the hutch dry and ventilated.
1 What Causes Sore Hocks in Rabbits
1. Mite infection on the feet causes hair loss there; with less fur, the foot tolerates the cage-floor pressure worse, circulation drops, and the sole tissue is injured. The damaged skin then easily picks up Staphylococcus, which is why many owners mistake sore hocks for a staph infection.
2. Wire cage flooring that’s too thin also triggers sore hocks, by the same logic — poor circulation from the thin wire injures the sole, then Staphylococcus moves in. This shows up most in heavier rabbits: the more they weigh, the more pressure on the feet, the more they’re hurt.
2 How to Prevent Sore Hocks
Prevent mites and set up the flooring sensibly, and you’ll largely avoid the problem. Steps:
1. First cure any rabbit already infested: clean the wound with alcohol, apply iodine, inject 200,000 IU penicillin plus 80,000 IU streptomycin, and give subcutaneous ivermectin. Then disinfect the rabbitry with ivermectin every three months to kill mites; also treat weaned kits about 20 days after weaning.
2. Use a bamboo or smooth base board for the cage, and clear away any sharp points so the surface stays smooth.
3. Improve the rabbit’s nutrition to strengthen immunity.
4. Keep the housing ventilated and dry.
Sore hocks are among the most common rabbit ailments, so prevention is well worth the effort.
Want to learn more about pet health?
Explore our pet health channel for more science-based care guides
Read More Articles →