28/08/2026
Sore hocks (pododermatitis) are painful sores or inflammation on the underside of a rabbit’s hind feet. They are often caused by wire flooring, hard/rough surfaces, dirty or wet bedding, obesity, or prolonged sitting.
🐇 How to treat sore hocks
1. Move the rabbit to a soft, dry surface
Avoid bare wire or rough flooring.
Use clean, dry hay, soft bedding, or a smooth solid floor with good padding.
Keep the area dry and clean.
2. Clean the affected feet
Gently rinse with clean lukewarm water or sterile saline.
Pat completely dry—don't scrub the sore.
3. Protect the wound
For mild redness or superficial sores, a rabbit-safe wound dressing/barrier can help protect the skin.
Avoid repeatedly applying harsh disinfectants such as strong iodine, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide because they can damage healing tissue.
4. Check the rabbit's weight
Overweight rabbits put more pressure on their heels and heal more slowly.
Correct the diet gradually rather than starving the rabbit.
5. Keep the housing hygienic
Remove wet/soiled bedding frequently.
Make sure urine and f***s cannot accumulate where the rabbit rests.
🚨 When veterinary treatment is needed
If there is open bleeding, pus, swelling, a bad smell, a deep wound, a hard lump, severe pain, difficulty walking, or loss of appetite, take the rabbit to a veterinarian. Advanced sore hocks can become infected and develop an abscess or infection involving the underlying bone, requiring prescription medication and more intensive treatment.
Important: Don't give human painkillers or antibiotics to a rabbit without veterinary guidance; some common medications can be dangerous for rabbits.
Do you have a rabbit having sorehocks? Send clear picture of the rabbit's sore hock, I can help you judge whether it looks mild, moderate, or severe...