1. What is Pododermatitis?
It is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the foot in pocket pets. Usually start from the back feet because these are the feet that are the most weight bearing compared to the front.
“Bumblefoot” is a form of pododermatitis (foot inflammation); in rabbits because the location (usually the feet and the hocks), this condition is also referred to as “ sore hocks”
2. What species are affected by “bumblefoot”?
It is often seen in pocket pets like rabbit, guinea pig, rat, birds, chicken, duck, etc. In this post we will target on Rabbit.
3. What are the cause of “bumblefoot” ? ·
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The commonly mistake that cause an issue is when the pet being housed in a wire bottom cage, or from having abrasive/ rough bedding like constant running on tiles, hard floor, or carpet which is surprisingly because lots of us would think any kind of carpet is soft enough for them.
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Pets with weakened immune systems, and from trauma already done to the foot that then got infected.
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Overweight or pregnant can also cause it as the extra pressure on their feet.
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Arthritis, partially disabled rabbit, elderly Rabbit, that become inactive may lead to abnormal weightbearing abnormally.
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Overgrown claws will also lead to the pet placing more weight on the back of the feet.
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Secondary to other infection diseases.
In some case, the skin will become damaged more easily due to:
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Incorrect grooming such as removal of the thick fur from the base of the feet.
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Breed like Rex rabbits have less skin protection compared to others because they have thinner coat.
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Pet sitting in constant moisture area like soiled litter tray.
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Small living space, and minimal to no activities provided.
4. What are the clinical signs in rabbits?
Most commonly seen and recognize by owners will be the redness, swelling and hair loss on one or all feet.
There symptom can be graded from Grade I to Grade V:
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Grade I: Mild case, started with some hair loss, don’t have any symptom.
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Grade II: Hair loss on the feet (specially the hocks area) and may also experience mild swelling, redness on the feet and hocks.
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Grade III: this is moderate stage, your rabbit more likely to experience broken skin, ulceration and possibly scab formation which can very possibly lead to an infection. Some may tolerant the pain while other may start reducing appetite due to discomfortable and pain.
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Grade IV: This stage your rabbit will certainly experience pain, abscess is present, and inflammation of the tendons or deeper tissues.
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Grade V: several pain is showed, damage of tendon, bone infection occurs, swelling of the joint tissue which will then lead to difficult walking, and posture.
5. What test will the vet use to diagnosis?
Once you notice abnormal or suspect your rabbit is experiencing “Sore Hocks”, make an appointment with your vet.
Your vet will first examinate your pet, collecting information in regards to their living environment, diet, they may suggest the following test if suspect the condition is secondary to other conditions.
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Blood tests to check overall health.
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Imaging to check if your rabbit is also suffering from arthritis, any other damaged to the bone
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Taking the sample of the affecting area to rule out tumours or to provide the best antibiotic to use.
6. What treatments are available ?
Mild case can be treat as home by readjust their living environment, changing the flooring, provide more soft bedding that is gentle on their feet, keeping their environment as clean and dry as possible.
Changing diet if the sore is cause by pressure for the overweight. Weight loss must be done slowly to avoid hepatic lipidosis.
Appropriate regular grooming, avoid overgrown nails. Never clipped fur from the hocks and feet area, regardless if they are long hair rabbits.
Topical cream maybe used to help protect the feet.
Sore hock socks can be introduce to the rabbit.
Mild-moderate case may benefit from dressing, and the important thing is make sure dressing is dry and clean, not too tight which can then cause excessive pressure and cut off blood circulation.
Anti-Inflammatories/Pain relief may provide by your vet.
Restrict activity while receiving treatment but encourage activity is must once they are recovered.
In several case, your rabbit will need topical cream, pain relief as well as antibiotics and possibly to be admit for in-patient care.
7. What is the prognosis?
Early stage can often can be treated successfully, Grade I to III can be treated, however the disease may recurrence.
Grade IV and V, most likely involve in-patient care, long-term medications/treatments, prolong recovery and prognosis is guarded to poor if deeper tissues/ bone are affected.
Diet is also important during the treatment process, good variety of quality food will help prevent the gut issues.
There is a detailed paper about sore hocks on the British Veterinary Association’s website
