Rabbits, known for their soft, furry feet, rely heavily on their feet for movement, balance, and communication. They play a crucial role in their ability to jump, run, and dig however, their feet are also vulnerable to various health issues, including sore hocks, injuries, and overgrown nails. Understanding the structure of rabbit’s feet, recognizing common problems, and providing proper care are essential for ensuring a happy, healthy bunny.
Understanding the Anatomy of Rabbit Feet
Rabbit’s feet or paws have a total of 18 toes with 5 on each of the front paws and 4 on each of the hind paws. Each of the toes has a claw which is used for digging and defense. Unlike some other mammals, rabbits lack paw pads—instead, their feet are covered in thick fur that provides protection and cushioning. Rabbits walk and run on their toes, a movement style called digitigrade locomotion. This allows for quick, silent movement and contributes to their powerful leaps. Rabbits also use their feet to communicate—stomping their hind legs is a warning signal to others when danger is near.
The fifth toe on both front paws is called a dewclaw or vestigial toe. It is a remnant from a fully functional toe that evolved to be smaller and often non-weight-bearing. Like other toes, dewclaws have a nail or claw that grows from them. Dewclaws are located on the inside of the front paws and are often higher up than the other toes, so they don’t typically touch the ground. The back paws each have 4 toes that are long and webbed. The webbing helps to keep the rabbit’s feet from spreading apart when it jumps.
Common Problems
Many foot problems in rabbits stem from improper flooring, poor hygiene, or lack of routine care. By providing a soft, dry environment, trimming nails regularly, and checking the feet for signs of injury or infection, you can prevent most of these common issues. A rabbit’s delicate bone structure and lack of paw pads make them susceptible to several foot-related health issues such as sore hocks (Pododermatitis) and sprains or fractures which can be extremely painful making walking difficult if not nearly impossible. Since rabbits often hide pain, early detection is key—if your rabbit shows any signs of foot discomfort, seeking veterinary care promptly can prevent more serious complications.
Sore Hocks (Pododermatitis or Bumblefoot)
This is a painful condition where the fur on the bottom of a rabbit’s foot (heel) wears down, exposing the skin to irritation, inflammation, and a bacterial infection (often caused by Staphylococcus) which can develop from the open wounds. Rabbits do not have a foot pad or thick musculature on their feet and hocks. Instead they have very thick fur over thin skin to protect and cushion their feet. When the fur wears away, inflammation and sores can develop on the skin. Note: not all cases of sore hocks are from improper care…some breeds are more prone to this condition.
According to the RWAF a rabbit’s foot should be properly flat so it’s weight is not on the hock. The surface they live on should allow their claws to dig in. They recommend veterinary bedding or fleece.
Symptoms:
- Swollen, red, or pus-filled sores on the bottom of the feet. Small sores can develop into abscesses quickly so address the situation as soon as you notice it.
- Difficulty or reluctance to move or jump.
- Licking or excessive grooming of the feet.
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite, teeth grinding
Mild Stage (Early Signs)
Redness or pink skin on the bottom of the feet.
Fur thinning or bald patches on the hocks.
Rough, dry, or calloused skin on affected areas.
Moderate Stage
Swelling or warm-feeling hocks due to inflammation.
Open sores or scabs forming on the feet.
Reluctance to jump or move due to pain.
Severe Stage (Serious Complications)
Ulcerated, bleeding, or pus-filled wounds (signs of infection).
Limping or complete avoidance of using the foot.
Pus-filled abscesses forming under the skin.
Bone involvement (osteomyelitis), leading to permanent disability.
Causes:
- Hard, rough, or wire flooring that puts excessive pressure on the feet. Abrasive surfaces.
- Obesity, which increases stress on the feet creating pressure sores.
- Prolonged exposure to wet or dirty bedding.
- Genetic predisposition: Some breeds, such as Rex rabbits, have very thin fur on their feet, making them more prone to pododermatitis. Large breeds (e.g., Flemish Giants) have more weight on their feet, increasing their risk.
- Pregnancy.
- Lack of mobility due to arthritis
- Spinal deformities.
Prevention:
- Provide soft bedding (grass mats, fleece, or hay).
- NEVER use wire-bottom cages—use solid, padded surfaces instead.
- Keep their living area clean and dry.
- Regular foot inspections to catch early signs of infection.
Treatment:
- If sores develop, consult a vet for proper wound care. The vet will give a physical exam, blood work, x-rays, culture and sensitivity tests. Pododermatitis can lead to Septicemia (blood poisoning), Osteomyelitis (bone infection), displacement of tendons and ear infections.
- For moderate to severe cases: Antibiotic creams (prescribed by a vet) may be applied to prevent infection. Bandages may be required to protect the sores and promote healing. Custom hock socks from the Etsy shop For Some Bunny Special are useful to help protect your bun’s feet during the healing process. Pain relief (meloxicam) is often prescribed to reduce discomfort. Always wear gloves when treating wounds, bacterial infections can be passed from your rabbit to you.
- If pus, abscesses, or deep wounds are present, a vet will prescribe oral or injectable antibiotics. Some common antibiotics include enrofloxacin (Baytril) or trimethoprim-sulfa (TMS).
- If bone infection (osteomyelitis) occurs, surgery may be required to remove infected tissue. In some extreme cases, amputation of the affected limb may be necessary.
Overgrown Nails
Rabbit nails grow continuously, and if left untrimmed, they can curl, tear, break, or cause discomfort when walking. Bleeding can be quite a sight for bun parents that have not seen it. Long rough nails can lead to toes breaking.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty hopping or a change in posture.
- Nails visibly long or curling.
- Risk of nail getting caught and torn, which can lead to bleeding and infection.
Causes:
- Lack of natural wear from digging or running on rough surfaces.
- Infrequent nail trimming.
Prevention & Treatment:
- Trim nails every 4–6 weeks using rabbit-safe nail clippers.
- Provide surfaces like untreated wood or cardboard to help wear down nails naturally.
- If a nail tears and there is bleeding you can place the paw into cornstarch or use styptic powder on the area of concern. If your rabbit seems to be coddling their foot, they may need an x-ray to determine if a toe bone is broken.
Fractures and Sprains
Rabbits have delicate, lightweight bones, making them prone to fractures, especially in their feet and legs. Since rabbits rely on their powerful hind legs for movement, balance, and digging, a foot fracture can severely impact their mobility and quality of life. If you suspect a foot fracture, do not attempt to move or realign the leg yourself—immediate veterinary care is required.
Types of Foot Fractures in Rabbits
Closed Fracture – The bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
Open (Compound) Fracture – The broken bone penetrates the skin, creating a serious risk of infection.
Displaced Fracture – The broken bone pieces move out of alignment.
Non-Displaced Fracture – The bone cracks but stays in its normal position.
Comminuted Fracture – The bone shatters into multiple pieces (usually due to a severe impact).
Symptoms:
- Sudden, severe limping or complete inability to use the affected foot or to put weight on a leg.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the fracture site.
- Abnormal positioning of the foot or toes.
- Dragging the leg instead of hopping normally.
- Open wound with visible bone (in compound fractures).
- Whimpering or showing signs of pain.
Causes:
- Improper handling or accidental falls- Rabbits have strong back legs and may kick forcefully if restrained incorrectly, leading to self-inflicted fractures. If they jump or fall from a high surface (such as a table or bed), their bones can break upon impact.
- Slippery or Hard Flooring- Flooring that is too smooth (e.g., tile, hardwood, or laminate) can cause a rabbit to lose traction and slip, leading to sprains or fractures.
- Bone Weakness- Rabbits on a low-calcium diet may develop weakened bones, making fractures more likely. Older rabbits are more prone to fractures due to bone density loss.
Prevention:
- Always support a rabbit’s hindquarters when picking them up.
- Keep their environment safe and non-slippery (avoid tile or hardwood floors without mats).
Treatment:
- Stabilization- The vet may immobilize the leg with a splint or soft bandage to prevent further injury. Non-displaced fractures (where the bone remains aligned) are often treated with a cast or splint. A lightweight, padded splint is applied to stabilize the foot and prevent movement. Rabbits need to stay in a confined space (e.g., a small pen) to limit jumping and excessive movement while healing. Bandages must be changed regularly to prevent sores or pressure injuries.
- Pain Management- meloxicam is often prescribed to reduce discomfort.
- Surgery- Displaced or comminuted fractures require surgery to realign the bone and secure it with pins, plates, or external fixators. If the foot is severely damaged, infected, or beyond repair, amputation may be the only option. Rabbits adapt well to three-legged mobility, but adjustments may be needed for habitat safety.
Parasites and Fungal Infections
Mites or fungal infections (such as ringworm) can affect the feet, leading to irritation and hair loss.
Symptoms:
- Itchy, flaky skin on the feet.
- Hair loss or crusty patches.
- Frequent foot-licking or biting.
Causes:
- Contact with contaminated bedding or other infected animals.
- Poor hygiene or damp environments.
Treatment & Prevention:
- Regularly clean and disinfect your rabbit’s habitat.
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent dampness.
- Veterinary treatment may involve anti-parasitic medication or antifungal creams.
When to See a Vet
Seek veterinary care if you notice:
Persistent sores or open wounds on feet.
Limping or an inability to bear weight on a foot.
Excessive nail growth causing discomfort.
Signs of infection (pus, foul odor, swelling).
Essential Care Tips
Proper foot care is essential in preventing problems and maintaining healthy rabbit feet. By providing regular foot assessments you can help prevent painful foot conditions thereby ensuring your rabbit stays mobile, active and comfortable.
Regular nail trimming, most can be clipped every 4-6 weeks, is crucial to prevent overgrowth. It can be a tricky process, one that is not enjoyed by most rabbits and can be scary for you. The more knowledgeable you are the less scary it will be. Having a helper can make this an easier process. You can find the items you will need for this in The Mercantile.
Place your rabbit on a non slip surface such as on the floor, your lap or a table holding them securely against your body. Rabbits have a blood vessel in their toe that goes into the base of the nail called a quick, just like a dog. The quick can be visible in light colored rabbits however it can be hard to see in dark colored rabbits. Gently pull the fur back from the nail, squeeze gently to find the quick and then cut a little off at a time. (If you do cut the quick and it bleeds, press your rabbits foot in corn starch or styptic powder.)
Other Preventative Tips
Habitat
A rabbit’s environment plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy feet. Since rabbits lack paw pads and rely on thick fur for cushioning, improper flooring can lead to serious foot problems. The ideal flooring for rabbits should be soft, supportive, and non-slip to reduce pressure on their feet. It’s necessary to provide a natural, cushioned surface to keep them from slipping. A rabbit’s living area should be designed to promote foot health while encouraging natural behaviors like hopping, digging, and stretching.
Rubber mats or foam tiles are soft, easy to clean, and provides insulation from cold floors while offering cushioning to reduce foot pressure. Be sure to avoid wire bottom habitats and litter boxes, hardwood, tile, and concrete. Providing fleece or soft blankets can help cushion harder flooring. Sea grass mats are a natural, chew-safe option that gives rabbits traction while being soft on their feet AND encourages natural chewing and digging behaviors. Carpet or low pile rugs can provide grip and prevent slipping. Just be sure to avoid loose threads or long fibers, as rabbits may chew and ingest them.
Some common flooring materials can harm rabbit feet over time. Wire flooring is one of the leading causes of sore hocks. Ideally a rabbit should not be in any situation with wire…meaning they should not be in a cage or hutch. Hardwood, tile and concrete are to hard and slippery, leading to foot stress and increased injury risk. (If unavoidable, place rugs, mats, or fleece on top for comfort.)
Hygiene
Dirty feet can lead to infections, matting, and discomfort. Wet or soiled bedding can increase the risk of infections and foot irritation. Keep their bedding and litter dry by spot-cleaning their habitat daily and replacing soiled areas. Check their feet daily for dirt, feces, or moisture buildup. In case of dirty build up, wipe with a damp cloth—avoid soaking them. If their fur around the feet becomes matted, carefully trim it with round-tipped safety scissors.
Exercise
Rabbits need regular movement to keep their feet strong and prevent obesity. A rabbit that gets plenty of space to hop and explore is less likely to develop foot pressure sores from sitting in one spot for too long. Encourage exercise by providing ample space for binkies and zoomies. Use ramps, tunnels and soft obstacles. Offer a digging box (filled with shredded paper, hay, or soft sand) to encourage their natural digging instinct without harming their feet.
Safe Handling
Improper handling can lead to foot injuries, sprains, or even fractures. Always support your rabbit’s hind legs to prevent them from kicking forcefully and injuring themselves and hold them close to your body for security. If they are struggling, place them down gently hind feet first to avoid stress.
Final Thoughts…
Proper foot care is vital to a rabbit’s overall well-being. By providing soft, supportive flooring, trimming their nails regularly, and monitoring for signs of discomfort or injury, rabbit owners can help prevent common foot-related health issues. Since rabbits rely on their legs and feet for almost every aspect of movement, keeping them in top condition ensures they can hop, dig, and explore comfortably. A little attention to foot health goes a long way in keeping your rabbit active, pain-free, and thriving.
Sources:
- RWAF “Sore Hocks”
- Witherell, Melissa DVM “Pododermatitis in Rabbits” December 16, 2022 PetMD
- Larson, Patricia LVT “Sore Hocks in Rabbits” August 23, 2023 Oxbow
- Ehredt, Anna “Paw-sitively Painful: A Complete Guide To Sore Hocks in Rabbits” June 2023 The Well Kept Rabbit
