Why Don't Rabbits Have Pads on Their Paws?

Often used as good luck charms, most rabbits' feet -- unlike the feet of most mammals -- do not have pads. Not a defect, their lack of pads is an adaptation to the environment and how they hop. For pet rabbits, inadequate care can lead to health problems, including infections in their feet.

  1. Leporidae

    • Rabbits belong to the family Leporidae, which includes various types of rabbits including hares. According to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, most rabbits have hair-covered feet, which allow them to grip with more friction as they leap. In their natural habitat, rabbits use this advantage to escape predators. Snowshoe hares, according to the museum, have pads because their snowy, slippery environment requires extra grip.

    Proper Care

    • Owners of domestic or pet rabbits should check them for health problems on a regular basis. Besides keeping a clean cage, feeding regularly and letting your rabbit hop around, the Washington State University College of Veterinary Science suggests touching your pet to see how it reacts to you and its environment. A full body examination starts from the head and works to the rear of your rabbit. Healthy rabbits will be alert and active, with perked-up ears if their breed has upright ears, and normal and smooth breathing patterns: Even if nervous or scared, they shouldn't struggle to breathe.

    Infection

    • Without the protection of a pad on their feet, rabbits' skin stays in direct contact with rough, wet and unsanitary surfaces. According to PetMD, the combination of pressure and lack of protection can lead to sores, lesions and inflammation of the feet. Obese rabbits or those with a tendency to thump their feet are even more at risk. Symptoms of ulcerative pododermatitis or "sore hocks," include redness, swelling, puss or pain in the rabbit's front and back feet. PetMD also says that an untreated infection can lead to tendon inflammation, bone marrow infection and the swelling of joint tissue. In severe cases, the condition requires limb amputation.

    Prevention

    • Infections require treatment by a veterinarian, but changing your rabbit's cage or environment serves as a preventive measure. According to Dr. Nickol Finch at Washington State University, pet rabbits need a surface other than a wire cage, so they can rest their paws on a solid, dry surface that won't irritate their skin. The surface also should remain clean, as feces and urine are acidic and can cause burning and infection.