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Two dogs are in recovery mode after being injured by a porcupine in a rural area, north of Regina.
The strays, nicknamed Quinn and Quincy were found with quills covering their entire face and body. They were both extremely emaciated as well.
According to Bright Eyes Dog Rescue (BEDR) director Chantal Cattell, if they weren’t found and rescued when they were, both likely would have starved to death.
“Neither one of them could eat very well, with all those quills in their mouths. They had them in the roof of their mouths, and in their tongues,” Cattell said.
“There’s no other way for them to eat if they didn’t get medical attention.”
Cattell said it’s unclear if the dogs went after the porcupine because they were interested in it, or because they were hungry.
Quincy is still on IV fluids and medication. Veterinarians at the Animal Clinic of Regina said they continue to find more quills on his body to this day, and he’s still unable to properly eat or drink at this time.
“It’s just about removing a few more quills that we were unable to get at the first anesthetic and sedation,” Dr. Erica Sims explained.
“Quinn and Quincy are special cases because of how long they had those quills in,” she said.
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Cattell said Quincy is recovering, despite his initial assessment.
“He was so scared.”
Quincy still remains on IV fluids and medication. He is unable to properly ingest food and fluids on his own, and requires constant care.
His sibling Quinn is off IV fluids. However, she will require extensive surgery.
“The other issue with Quinn now is that she has lost vision in her right eye due to a quill that had migrated there,” Sims said.
Veterinarians said her retina is now completely detached, and will need to be removed. She is now blind in her right eye.
“She does have a few quills that are migrating out of her [face]. We weren’t able to get them when she was under anesthesia because they were too deep.”
Sims said Quinn is still very emaciated, and requires a slow re-introduction to food to prevent re-feeding syndrome. However, she said Quinn is expected to recover as well.
According to Bright Eyes, the vet bills are racking up. Even at a discount rate with Animal Clinic of Regina, the bills for the sibling dogs are expected to tack on another $5,000.
“Between all the medical funds we’ve been hit with… We’ve had over $30,000 in medical funds since July 1st,” Cattell said.
The rescue group is asking for any donations or help from the public.
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