Two dogs, Miss Prickle Pants and Cactus Jackie, suffered from severe injuries after becoming entangled with porcupines, resulting in a total of 673 quills embedded in their bodies. The situation worsened as the quills severely limited their ability to eat and drink, leading to infections by the time they received help in Fargo, North Dakota.
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On August 12, the Homeward Animal Shelter answered an urgent plea from Journey Home Animal Rescue. A transporter and a staff member brought the dogs to Fargo that evening, where they received pain relief before veterinary treatment the following morning.
Miss Prickle Pants underwent sedation at CareVet in West Fargo, where veterinarians discovered 561 quills lodged in her face, chest, and legs, with some quills embedded around her joints. The veterinary team successfully removed all 561 quills in one day, although further quills may still become visible as she recovers.
Cactus Jackie was treated at Minn-Kota PAAWS, where another 112 quills were removed primarily from her face and inside her mouth. She showed early signs of cellulitis, a skin infection, and it was unclear when she last ate without difficulty. Post-surgery, her eagerness to eat provided hope for her recovery.
Veterinary experts, including those at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, stress the importance of immediate care for dogs injured by porcupines, as the quills can cause serious complications if left untreated. They advise against attempting to remove quills at home, as this can lead to further injury. Proper veterinary care ensures safer removal and minimizes the risk of quills penetrating deeper into tissue.