Dermic (Skin) Themes

Abscesses

Abscesses are a clump of pus normally caused by bacteria.
These occur when somewhere injured gets infected.
Abscesses are dangerous because these can explode, worsening the issue with an open wound.

In rabbits, abscesses are normally seen around the face, as parts of their teeth may break down and lodge in the flesh or when overgrown or deformed these may pierce the skin.

The difference between rabbit abscesses and other animal’s is that rabbit’s pus tends to solidify to the consistency of toothpaste, thus requiring surgery to heal.
This is due to a missing enzyme in the pus.

Abscesses within the rabbits’ bodies are normally very difficult to diagnose and heal, especially because due to how rabbits’ bodies work, adjacent abscesses can easily form after one is cleared. 

It is also not uncommon to see long recovery periods for abscesses, as for as long as there are bacteria and these can enter the wound, more pus will be created.
Other ways for abscesses to be created is via the tear ducts and through bite wounds. 

Effective methods of treatment include the surgical removal of the entirety of the abscess, although other vets would prefer piercing it and draining it like a pimple, accompanied by the correct type of medicine, normally antibiotics.
This is done after the necessary testing like a biopsy of the abscess as well as other visual tests to understand the extent of the infection.

You can read more about abscesses here:
Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund’s information sheet about abscesses.
House Rabbit Society’s page on Abscesses in Rabbits.

Small facial abscess, the dense pus can be observed - MediRabbit.
Bacterial abscess under the ear - MediRabbit.
Pododermatitis on a shaven leg - Bishops Strotford Veterinary Hospital.

Sore Hocks (Pododermatitis)

Pododermatitis, also known as sore hocks, is when sores on the legs of the rabbit occur.
This happens when the feet are not in a condition to properly support the animal, or the environment they are in is not appropriate, as it may happen with wire floors in cages.
This makes the area swollen and sensible, creating pain. It has 5 grades of severity:
Asymptomatic (grade I).

Mild (grade II): Damage to the fur can be seen, skin remains intact.

Moderate (grade III): Signs of damaged skin such as scabs.

Severe (grade IV): Abscesses have formed and deep tissue damage is found.

Chronic (grade V), Irreversible damage is done to tissue and bones, ending the leg function and possibly other parts of the body.

The most common reason for the sores is the rabbit carrying more weight than it is meant to support.
Bigger breeds suffer from it the most, and the risk of it developing increases while pregnant.
Smaller rabbits get the condition when their floor and bedding is not adequate or they lack proper hygiene.
Keeping your pet in a moist environment can easily lead to pododermatitis, so changing soiled bedding regularly is key.

It can also be caused by an injury or deformity of the back legs or pelvis if this trauma changes the way the rabbit moves.

Once fur is not present, immediate action must be done, as damage to tissues will soon develop.
Topical tests as well as blood tests will determine the extent of the damage.
If the doctor suspects the damage is of a higher grade, procedures such as X-rays will determine if there’s complications such as damaged tissues.

As any other open sore, it is an easy entry for bacteria and other causes of illness to get directly into the bloodstream. Ligament erosion also occurs as a result of the condition, which leads to a decreased ability to move around. In more severe cases, the bone can be affected, and it can cripple the rabbit.

Mild cases of sore hocks can easily be dealt with by allowing the rabbit to move around and ensuring the floor they walk in does not pull fur and hurt their feet, if the damage is moderate, antibiotics will be prescribed to ensure there’s no infection. Severe cases can only be treated with amputation.

If you want to learn more about sore hocks you can always read:
The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund’s page on Sore Hocks.
Bishops Stortford Veterinary Hospital’s information about Pododermatitis in Rabbits.
Doctor Vet’s page on Pododermatitis.
VetLexicon’s PDF paper o Pododermatitis, delivered by Oathall Veterinary Group.

There is also a bit of information in
The Educated Rabbit’s page on Rabbit Health Basics.
The Educated Rabbit’s page on Rabbit Health Summary.

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