| On Porcupines |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Monday, 19 February 2007 | |
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Do not panic! In cases where quills are deep into the tongue and oral cavity you will probably need a surgeon to anesthetize the dog. My experience has taught me to commence removing quills with either a hemostat or common pliers en route to the vet. There are two types of quills in the dog; white and black. The white are immature and are not deeply anchored and can be pulled painlessly. The black are harder but they, too, will come out. The problem with the black quills is they are hard to see and part of it will remain under the skin. Cutting quill shafts is a waste of time. With each bit of the plier get as many quills as possible and yank. Keep working and talking to your dog at the same time. Remember "Verbal Anesthesia". Worst Scenario -- the vet is closed or you are too far from civilization. Leon F. Whitney, D.V.M. says put some earth on your hand to stop the tongue from slipping away and continue the same procedure as with body quills. A broomstick or wedge of wood may also help to keep the mouth accessible. Once 90% of the quills are removed, get fluids into the dog continuing with verbal anesthesia and affection. Many months later you will still be removing an occasional quill. |
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