Dog with Porcupine quills

Yesterday I took my blue Weimaraner and Vizsla for a run on a seasonal road.  There was a few inches of soft snow on top so I decided not to wear my snowshoes.  It was a tough walk in but not too bad.  The dogs were having fun running down the road and exploring into the woods a small amount.  They live for this!

I was capturing some images of them in their crazy fun mode and then I heard Asta, the Vizsla, barking.  Not a good sign.   She typically won’t bark unless she is alerting Sampson to something or wants to play.  I ran as fast as I could the 100 or so yards up to find Sampson digging and pawing at something under an uprooted tree.  I called him and he would’t come.  Then he looked and his face was covered with quills.

We were a good mile or more from the car and I knew that he would let me start pulling the quills so I turned and ran, and ran, and ran.  All the time calling to Sampson to get to the car and load up.  He would stop and pull quills out along the way.  I am sure he was in pain but never whined or anything.  He just tried to get them out of his mouth, nose, and lips.

We arrived at the car and I got Asta la Vizsla in the car and she immediately went to the front car floor and wouldn’t look at Sampson.  Sam jumped in the back seat and I took off fast.  I called the vet and I was about 20 minutes away  they said.  I really wasn’t sure how many quills he had in his throat so I was a bit worried.

On the way I was able to take a few images.  These are a bit graphic so be prepared, no blood.

The Sault Animal Hospital took good care of Sampson and they were able to get some of his shots done too and clip his nails all while he was taking a time out.  It took about 1.5 hours to get Sampson through the extractions.

He is doing great today and finding time to relax.  He doesn’t seem like he has any swelling or soreness in the face.  In fact, he is playing with his toys inside and out.

Lesson, hopefully, learned by the 6.5 year old guy.  This was his first encounter.