Hind Limb Pododermatitis – Rabbit

Introduction

Hind limb pododermatitis in rabbits is a complex, multifactorial condition involving musculoskeletal as well as integumentary systems. The hind-leg stance of the rabbit is naturally digitigrade (ie. plantigarde) except that the metatarsal bones are raised from the ground. Contact with the ground is through the claws and the plantar aspect of the hock. Most of the weight is taken on the hind limb. The superficial digital flexor is constantly under tension (to facilitate immediate response to predators). The animal is therefore well adapted for life on grassland or turf.

When confined to a caged environment on concrete, wood or even wire mesh the correct stance is not possible and pressure is applied to extra areas of the metatarsus as the claws cannot engage the floor (sliding over hard surfaces or having no weight-bearing at all in the case of wire mesh). This is exacerbated by malnutrition (obesity leads to extra pressure on the plantar metatarsus, emaciation reduces the covering over the bony prominences). The extra pressure causes localised ischaemia, eventual infection and a chronic disease state which may be exacerbated by displacement of the superficial digital tendon. You are referred to Harcourt Brown Textbook of Rabbit Medicine (2002) page 240 for an excellent description of this complex condition.

Treatment of ulcerative pododermatitis

• Address underlying cause – correction of poor husbandry
• Change dirty environment
• Supply companion to increase exercise
• Non-abrasive, soft dry substrate.- peat moss – not wire floors.
• Keep ulcerated areas clean and dry
• Protective bandages – those that are applied to sore areas will be removed by the rabbit so apply around the area
• Liquid bandages like Nu Skin or Germolene can be applied to the affected areas
• Mild clip of hair – leave some fur to take weight
• Systemic antibiosis
• Analgesia (meloxicam) – may help relieve underlying spondylitis/arthritis
• Surgery of non-weight-bearing areas only if absolutely necessary
• Manuka honey
• Euthanasia