Hutch Sores (Sore Hocks)

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Hutch sores are chronically ulcerated and infected wounds on the

weight-bearing surfaces of the rear (and sometimes the front)

paws.  They are caused by a number of predisposing factors:

reduced thickness of fur on the bottoms of the feet; continued

thumping of the rear feet when frightened; excessive body

weight; repeated or continual urine-soiling of feet; lack of

movement from living in a small enclosure; and abrasions from

irregular cage flooring.  Hutch sores can occur in rabbits housed

on solid floors, but are more common in rabbits kept in

enclosures with wire floors.  Pet rabbits that are housed indoors

or outdoors should be confined in roomy wire cages with

Plexiglass covering about one-half of the floor's surface area.



Hutch sores are treated with antibiotics (both topically and by

injection) and periodic bandaging of the affected feet.

Treatment is usually long-term and also requires identification

and correction of the underlying causes.  Hutch sores must be

treated aggressively to prevent infection of deeper soft tissues

and bone.