ISSN 2398-2969      

Ulcerative pododermatitis (Bumble foot)

Clapis

Synonym(s): Sore hocks


Introduction

  • Ulcerative pododermatitis (sore hocks) is a common condition of domestic rabbits Pododermatitis: corn formation.
  • 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 Pododermatitis: sore hocks 01Pododermatitis: sore hocks 02.
  • 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

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Outcomes

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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), 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.

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