When Your Dog Looses A Battle With A Porcupine


Few dogs are canny enough to win against a porcupine. Quills can easily become embedded anywhere in a dog's anatomy: legs, chest, neck, throat or head. Any dog suffering multiple punctures from a porcupine immediately distresses. If the quills embed around the mouth, face or neck, the situation becomes life-threatening.

Quill removal is painful. Application of vinegar to the quills softens them. A good measure of success is experienced in quill removal by cutting them at the point farthest away from the dog's body. Once severed, the quills partially collapse, aiding in their withdrawal. The quills may then be removed, as carefully and gently as possible, with either a pair of hemostats or pliers, either of which give a good grip.

Quills have small barb-like projections that perform similar to a fish hook, and which make removal painful and difficult. Small quills can quickly become totally embedded, to be felt beneath the dog's skin: these must be surgically removed as quickly as possible. Complete quill removal usually requires veterinary attention because the withdrawal process is so painful, and the animal already in pain often panics. The dog should always see a veterinarian after this type of injury. Treatment with anti inflammatory drugs and antibiotic drugs is commonly necessary.