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Sore Hocks

Peanut already struggles to get around because she has 3 paws. I knew that leaning heavily on her left side would eventually cause problems, but I always hoped it wouldn't be sore hocks. 

I tried to do everything right when I designed the Bunroom. I placed carpet remnants around the room for resting mats and bought a sea grass mat for chewing/resting. The vinyl floor was not the BEST choice, but it cleans well and was within my budget. Besides, I clean the room throughout the day, so I was trying to prevent any problems. But Peanut always leans on her stump of a paw on her left side. Sometimes she steps in her own urine. I began to notice that her hocks were red and the fur was wearing away. If I didn't get her to the vet and apply bandages, the hocks could become infected.

Thank goodness for Dr. Dana Krempels and her research on sore hocks. When I took Peanut to the vet, I admitted that she is difficult to restrain and that I could not accomplish the task of applying bandages on my own. I also had to admit that I had no clue how to apply a bandage that would stay on. I had heard that Dr. Dana Krempels was an expert on this condition, so I had written her name down on a sheet of paper before I left for the vet's office. When my vet, Dr. Irvin, saw the hocks she confirmed that there was NOT an infection. She also knew we couldn't ignore the problem. After all, Peanut is a mini-rex and these buns are known for thinning fur on their hocks. So, the vet volunteered to contact Dr. Krempels on the phone.

The result has been great (so far). It has now been 2 days and the bandages are still in place. Peanut doesn't like the bandages and I watch her carefully to make sure she isn't chewing them, but with her imbalance, she cannot reach them. I think the key to our success has been the shape and design of the bandage Dr. Krempels designed (see link below), as well as using Peanut's own fur (which I collected over time) as padding. I will continue to post updates, and hopefully Peanut will not need to wear the bandages for too long!

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sorehocks.html