A walk through a Calgary, Alberta, dog park later turned into a medical emergency after a husky was stuck with porcupine quills.
For owner Adriana Munoz, the encounter at Sue Higgins Park resulted in around $20,000 in veterinary bills.
Here's what to know
At about 6 p.m. Sept. 25, Hunter, Munoz's 9-year-old husky, encountered a porcupine, the Calgary Herald reported. Munoz took him to Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital, where veterinarians removed some quills and discharged him.
The situation worsened two days later, when Hunter developed breathing trouble. After an X-ray showed air in his chest, a CT scan performed at Paramount 24-Hour Animal Hospital revealed four quills in his lungs.
The hospital projected removal costs from $16,138 to $24,364 and required a $9,720 deposit, the outlet noted.
More background
Animal emergencies that involve imaging, anesthesia, or surgery can be expensive. "Despite using the same technology and expertise, the cost of veterinary procedures remains a fraction of the cost in human medicine," Dr. Heather MacQuarrie, medical director of Paramount Animal Hospitals, told the Herald.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
MacQuarrie said CT scans must be done under sedation and that ICU cases can require constant oversight from doctors and staff along with one-on-one nursing, blood products, and oxygen therapy. She added that specialists and board surgeons may be brought in for complex treatment.
Munoz said Hunter is a rescue dog who was abused by a previous owner before ending up with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
What can be done?
After what happened to Hunter, Munoz told the Herald that people walking pets in parks should beware of wildlife.
"It is recommended that owners secure the best pet insurance plan they can afford, as any amount of coverage is helpful," MacQuarrie said. "Like home insurance, it is there for unforeseen events."
To help pay the veterinary costs, Munoz launched a GoFundMe, which has raised nearly 9,000 Canadian dollars toward a $24,000 goal.
"I'm happy to take my boy back home," Munoz told the Herald. "Now I have to worry about just paying the bills. They saved my dog, and I'm happy with that."
Where can I learn more?
These stories show how dangerous wildlife encounters can be.
• In Montana, a couple was hurt after their dogs triggered a charge from a moose.
• In British Columbia, a woman fought for her life after a black bear attacked outside her home.
• Across several African nations, residents say encounters with wildlife have become increasingly dangerous and costly.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
