Emergency Veterinary Advice for Pet Owners in Wenatchee, Leavenworth & East Wenatchee
Prime’s Story: A Painful Run-In With a Porcupine in Central Washington
Prime, a 9-year-old chow chow, had a rough start to the day when he got a little too curious about a rustling in the bushes. What he thought was an intruder turned out to be a Central Washington porcupine, and unfortunately, Prime was left with a face full of quills.
His family rushed him to Cascade Veterinary Clinics in East Wenatchee, where Dr. Leah Edwards and our medical team safely sedated him and removed dozens of deeply embedded porcupine quills. Prime was a champ throughout his care and is now on the mend.
🦔 Why Porcupine Quill Injuries Are Common in Central Washington Dogs
Porcupines are native to North Central Washington, especially in wooded areas around Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and the Columbia River Valley. They are nocturnal and shy but will defend themselves if approached by dogs or wildlife.
Porcupines don’t shoot quills—but they do release them easily when touched.
Quills are modified hairs with barbed tips that can:
- Embed deeply into the skin and muscles
- Break off beneath the surface
- Migrate into vital organs like the eyes, lungs, or brain
- Cause infection, abscesses, or long-term pain if untreated
🚫 Never Remove Porcupine Quills at Home
Trying to remove quills without sedation can result in:
- Quill fragments being left behind
- Increased risk of infection
- Internal migration of barbed quills
- Avoidable pain and stress for your pet
✅ What To Do If Your Dog Gets Porcupine Quills (Vet-Approved)
If your pet has tangled with a porcupine, follow these steps immediately:
- Do not pull the quills yourself.
- Keep your pet calm and restrict movement.
- Call your vet immediately to schedule urgent care.
- Visit a veterinary hospital for sedation and removal.
At Cascade Veterinary Clinics, we use sedation or anesthesia to ensure a pain-free, thorough removal. We also provide anti-inflammatories, antibiotics (if needed), and close follow-up care to ensure full healing.
🏥 Emergency Vet Care for Porcupine Injuries in Wenatchee Valley
We’re proud to offer same-day emergency care for porcupine quill injuries, wildlife encounters, and other urgent pet needs across the region.
📍 Serving:
- Wenatchee
- East Wenatchee
- Leavenworth
- Chelan County
- Cashmere & surrounding communities
📞 Call Cascade Veterinary Clinics at 509-886-6400
🐾 Prime’s Recovery (And Why Quick Action Matters)
Thanks to his family’s fast action, Prime is back to his usual self—and much more cautious around bushes! His story is a reminder for all pet parents: porcupine injuries are serious, but treatable when caught early.
If your dog encounters a porcupine, call us right away. Our team has the experience, equipment, and compassion to help your pet recover safely.
📚 Related Reading:
- Why Emergency Care Matters for Pets in Rural Areas
- How to Prevent Wildlife Encounters on Summer Hikes
- Our Veterinary Services in Wenatchee, Leavenworth & Beyond