It depends on the severity, but the quill removal can take several hours. Sometimes all the quills can’t be safely removed, and a doctor will have to monitor the dog afterwards to watch for signs of infection.
While most porcupine-related injuries are not life-threatening, waiting too long to treat the situation can have unfortunate consequences.
“Since quills carry bacteria, infection and abscesses are a serious risk,” Gorman says. “Quills can also get stuck in various dangerous locations around the body, including the pet’s eyes, joints or organs. Depending on the nature of the injury, it can result in serious complications, which is why it’s important to have your dog treated as soon as possible.”