Re: pododermatitis in rabbits

Mark Rowland — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:24:36 GMT

To Add to Maries comments:

I like to radiograph these cases to make sure there is no deep spread of infection to bony structures or joints. Analgesia is also very important. You will need to repeat dressings until the skin has healed over and is thick enough to take the trauma of ground contact. This may take several months. I have little experience with Preparation H (thank goodness) and prefer to use HealX soother cream (available through NVS). Low Level Laser Therapy (if available) could quicken healing. I would stop the baytril and switch to doxycycline if it were me. Allevyn thin is a good primary dressing as it sticks to the skin.

Goodluck

Re: pododermatitis in rabbits

Marie Kubiak — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:47:06 GMT

No nice simple answer unfortunately.

Rule out any cause of abnormal weight loading (inactivity, abnormal posture, increased sexual behaviour), increased trauma (abrasive surface, chemical/urine contact), and deal with secondary infections. As a Rex it lacks the normal protective coat and so has a congenital abnormality that predisposes to pressure sores. I try and start conservatively with deep absorbent bedding of a layer of blankets coavered with deep hay and regular exercise on grass and avoiding contact with carpet and slippery surfaces. Regular bathing and cleaning can be counter-productive as damp/damaged skin just keeps getting traumatised. Fleece 'booties' can be useful in preventing ongoing direct trauma while allowing the skin to remain clean and dry.

Preparation H topically can speed healing, but the crucial factor is stopping the pressure sores being perpetuated and persuading the owner to really change the environment.

Marie