Introduction

• Ulcerative pododermatitis (sore hocks) is a common condition of domestic rabbits .
• Cause: poor hygiene, moist conditions, abrasive floor surfaces, obesity, inactivity and thin skin in the metatarsal region all predispose to the condition.
• Signs: initial erythema, alopecia and subsequent erosion of the skin of the metatarsus progresses to ulceration and swelling of metatarsal tissues.
• Diagnosis: history, signs.
• Treatment: therapy involves control of infection and debridement of affected tissues and correction of predisposing factors.
• Prognosis: guarded.

Print off the Owner factsheet on Pododermatitis - sore hocks to give to your clients.

Acute presentation

• Initially slow, insidious onset.
• Erythema and alopecia of the skin on the ventral aspect of the hock .
• Signs may be unilateral or bilateral.
• Less commonly the palmar aspect of the metacarpus is affected.
• If untreated erosion follows, followed by ulceration.
• Eventually cellulitis Cellulitis may develop.
• Osteomyelitis and septicemia may occur if severe.

Geographic incidence

• Worldwide, although moist conditions predispose.

Morbidity

• In poor conditions many individuals in a group may be affected.
• In a group a range of signs may occur.

Mortality

• Severe cases may be unresponsive to treatment, this will affect welfare and lead to euthanasia Euthanasia.

Age predisposition

• Older rabbits with decreased mobility might be more at risk.

Breed/species predisposition

• Rex rabbits are over-represented due their thick hair covering over the metatarsal area.

Cost considerations

• Low cost if treated early.
• Expensive:
  • Costly in advanced cases with deeper structures involved.
  • Surgical debridement is costly, with no guarantee of success.

Pathogenesis

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Mancinelli E, Keeble E, Richardson J et al (2014) Husbandry risk factors associated with hock pododermatitis in UK pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Vet Rec 174 (17), 429 PubMed.
• Martorell J (2014) Scoring pododermatitis in pet rabbits. Vet Rec 174 (17), 427-428 PubMed.
• Blair J (2013) Bumblefoot: A comparison of clinical presentation and treatment of pododermatitis in rabbits, rodents and birds. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 16 (3), 715-735 PubMed.
• Sant R & Rowland M (2009) Skin disease in rabbits. In Pract 31 (5), 233-238 VetMedResource.
• Scarff D (2008) Skin diseases of pet rabbits. UK Vet: Companion Animal 13 (2), 66-75 VetMedResource.
• Harvey C (1995) Rabbit and rodent skin diseases. Semin Avian Exotic Pet Med 4 (4), 195-204 ScienceDirect.
• Hillyer E V (1994) Pet rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 24 (1), 25-65 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Varga M (2014) Skin Diseases. In: Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. 2nd edn. Butterworth-Heinemann, UK. pp 271-302.
• Capello V (2006) Small Mammal Orthopedics. In: Proc BSAVA Congress. BSAVA, UK. pp 209-211.