09/05/2023
Quills are no joke and can kill if left untreated. You may think you have them all when you do it yourself but I have seen quills embedded in the roof of a dogs mouth or along their gums and teeth. Better to be safe than sorry.
Porcupines are out and about. They have become more active with this warmer weather. Dogs often try to make new friends with porcupines.
Quills are modified hairs and are covered in scales that act like a fishhook barb causing the quills to stick into tissue and want to migrate inward. The best way to remove the quills is to sedate your pet for their comfort and to allow the veterinary staff to be able to perform a full inspection, not leaving any quills behind.
With the barbs on the quills, they will continue to migrate inwards, through skin & muscle, and ultimately ending up in the internal organs. Since these quills are not sterile, they do carry bacteria with them causing severe infection and abscesses.
~Can cutting the quills make it easier to remove?
It is not recommended to cut the quills since they are hollow and will not simply deflate. They are more likely to splinter and become harder to remove, or have a sliver left behind in the tissues.
~Can owners remove quills themselves?
No, removing porcupine quills without sedation or anesthesia will result in an extremely painful procedure. Your pet may struggle causing more quills to break off or migrate further. Your dog may even lash out and bite a person due to the pain of the procedure. A veterinarian is able to give sedation, pain medications and antibiotics to your pet, as well as a Rabies vaccination.
~How soon should I get my pet to the vet for removal?
As soon as possible, as these quills can be broken off by your pet pawing or rubbing at them due to pain. It is recommended you bring your pet in as an emergency. Try to give your clinic a call to inform them of your travel and arrival time.
Our veterinarians are on call any time our offices are closed and are able to assist you with any type of emergency.