Porcupines are shy and shy animals that can cause painful injuries to creatures who get too close. This nocturnal rodent lives in North America, usually in underground burrows, under rocks or in wooden huts. Whenever a porcupine feels threatened, it will protect its body with its spiny tail. Many people find themselves in the unfortunate situation of having to remove thorns from themselves or their pets for this.
Steps
Step 1. Calm the affected person or animal
The removal process is painful and requires the patient to stay still for a long period of time.
Step 2. Cut each plug with a sharp pair of scissors about 2.5 cm from the point of entry into the skin
It is much easier to remove short thorns than long ones. The thorns are hollow and easy to cut.
Step 3. Approach a plug with tweezers
The spines require tools to be removed, because they have hooks on the surface that facilitate their adhesion to objects and complicate their extraction. The thorns of porcupines are similar to fish hooks when they penetrate the meat. If you try to pull out a thorn with your hands it will penetrate your fingers.
Step 4. Grab the plug with the tool
Use a quick, powerful motion to pull the plug out as firmly and quickly as possible. Do not bend the plug, as you may break it.
Step 5. Look at the area where the thorn was stuck to make sure the tip hasn't broken
Broken thorns can become ingrown and cause infection.
Step 6. Repeat the removal process for each plug you can see
The faster you can remove them, the less pain the patient will experience.
Step 7. Clean the affected area with a mild soap and water, then apply an antibiotic ointment
Do not cover the area with a bandage to check for infections.
Step 8. Check the wound daily for signs of an infection
An infection can present with redness, swelling, and pus.
Warnings
- If the spines are stuck in a sensitive area of the body, such as the eyes or mouth, have a doctor perform the extraction. To make the process less painful it is possible to practice anesthesia.
- Porcupines often choose to live in nature away from humans. If you are camping, pay attention to the distinctive signs of porcupine presence, such as annoying smells and sounds such as moaning, snapping of teeth and grumbling. Be careful when allowing your dog to play in porcupine habitat, such as hollow trees, underground burrows, or piles of rocks.
