GotoAID Dogs - Porcupine Quills

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Porcupine Quills

Dogs are very curious creatures and when encountering a porcupine they may get jabbed with some quills. Porcupines in self defense may curl into a ball or even ram another animal and jab it's quills in the opponent. It is important to have the quills removed as soon as possible.

Symptoms

Imbedded Quill Fragments	Irritation
Pain	Puncture Wound
Bleeding

Steps

If your dog has only a few quills that are not too deeply imbedded, you can try removing them at home. Removing deeply imbedded quills can be a very painful process and is best done under sedation by a veterinarian.

Keep your dog as still as possible

To remove the quills wear a pair of heavy leather gloves and with a pair of pliers grasp the quill close to where it enters the skin and slowly pull it straight out

Look for any remaining quills by running your hand around the fur looking for blunt sharp ends

After removing quills wash the wound with warm water and Betadine skin cleanser (antibacterial soap) and repeat for 2-3 days

If there are any pieces of quills left in the skin and they are pinpoint size you can pop them like pimples and dab Betadine Solution on them 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days

Even after removing all quills monitor your dog for several months as they can travel through the body if not removed, so if you see anything unusual in that time frame have him checked out by the vet

Warnings

DO NOT yank the quills out as you could break it off

DO NOT continue if your dog struggles too much or is in a lot of pain, instead take him to the vet to have the quills removed

As long as all quills have been removed the dog will rarely develop any infections

If sores do not heal or there is swelling, redness, or discharge within 2-3 days take your dog to the vet

Tips

It is useful having someone else help you to restrain your dog

It is painful when removing the quills so expect your pet to yelp

Check for remaining quills with your gloves on but afterwards try removing your gloves to check with a free hand but be careful of being pricked by the quills

Betadine Solution is made with Betadine and distilled water to the color of weak tea

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