Causes
Sore hocks (pododermatitis)occurs when the fur on the bottom of the foot (hock) wears off and a bacterial infection sets in. This can occur due to thin fur on the hocks. Rex coated breeds are particularly prone to sore hocks for this reason. It can also occur due to poor hock structure. Hocks that are not parallel when a rabbit sits put extra pressure on the back of the hocks. Underlying health issues like arthritis or other joint problems can contribute. Improper care of rabbits can also result in sore hocks, including letting your rabbit get overweight and letting nails get too long. Ensure that wooled breeds are combed regularly, to include the fur on the hocks. Ensure that cages are kept clean. Check cage floors periodically for any rough patches or burrs in the wire. Cages should be floored with either solid floor with bedding or very taut wire that is no more than 1" x 1/2" spacing. Stress can also be a contributing factor, as it lowers a rabbit's resistance to infection, allowing bacteria to more easily colonize open sore hocks.

Symptoms
Symptoms are shifting back and forth on feet, laying down more than usual, trying to sit in or on things rather than the wire, and sore(s) on the foot. The stress and pain of the sore hocks can also lower resistance to other diseases and reduce body condition in rabbits.

Stages
There are 6 main stages of sore hocks. These are:

1. Acute Hyperemic Pododermatis. The affected portions of the foot has less fur and is somewhat red.

2. Chronic Fibrous Pododermatis. The skin on the affected portion of the foot is harder, like a calous, and the fur lose is very obvious. Once a rabbit reaches stage 2, recovery and regrowth of hair is impossible.

3. Hyperkeratinized Pododermatis. The affected portion of the foot is totally bald. The skin surface is hard, white/light grey, and is scabbed over with a rough surface.

4. Hyperkeratinized Pododermatis with excretion. The affected portion of the hock is cracked open and clear liquid is excreted.. The hock is moist around the affected area.

5. Hyperkeratinized Pododermatis with blood. The clear liquid from stage 4 is now somewhat bloody.

6. Hyperkeratinized Pododermatis with ulcurations. The affected portions look kind of like cottage cheese. (gross, huh?) . A soft, open sore forms over the affected regions of the hock.

Treatment
If you have a rabbit with sore hocks treat it immediately. Fix any care problems which may have led to the sore hocks. Place a resting board in the cage so the rabbit does not have to sit on the wire. Keep the cage very clean to reduce bacteria. Apply a topical ointment (such as silver sulfadiazine) to the hock each day. Foot soaks in Betadine or Nolvasan can help kill bacteria. Even if the rabbit does recover be alert for any signs of reoccurrence.

Please note that we are not licensed veterinarians. These are simply treatment tips that have worked for me in the past. Always consult with a veterinarian.