A Porcupine's Story

On May 7th, 2018 Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), admitted an adult male North American Porcupine. He was found in the window well of a SE Calgary home, and aside from being found in such an unusual location, the finder could also see that the animal was suffering from a wound to his front left leg.

Upon admittance to AIWC, the porcupine was left to rest for a short period of time to destress from the travel to the hospital. Stress is the biggest killer to wildlife in captivity and every effort is made to reduce their stress wherever possible.

Our veterinarian was on site on the day of the porcupine’s intake and was able to fully examine him. To do a thorough exam of this species of animal, the porcupine had to be sedated, which can only be done with our veterinarian on-site.

The porcupine was found to be thin and suffering from a large, severe necrotic wound on his left forelimb. Rarely do we know the full histories of the patients admitted into our care, as often they are found when already injured/orphaned and there are rarely witnesses to see what occurred.

Now, several weeks after intake, the porcupine is slowly on the mend. He has put on a little weight, and is very particular about what food he eats. Leafy browse and lettuce are his favourites! He can eat 6 heads of lettuce in one day!

The wound was very severe on intake, and as it was already necrotic, essentially the death of cells and tissues, it is challenging to get the infection properly under control. As the porcupine is a member of the rodent family, we also have to be careful of what medications are given as this species is sensitive to many of the typically used medications for this type of wound.

*WARNING* Graphic Image Below! Porcupine's Wound:












Wound shortly after intake:

We are incredibly hopeful for a full recovery, but more time and supportive care is needed to help this porcupine through the rehabilitation process. He does have a guarded prognosis currently, and typically we try not to share patients with guarded prognosis, but the reality of what we do is that sadly, many of the patients we admit are in such severe conditions that they unfortunately do not make it to release. We have not yet lost hope and will continue to work hard to provide this porcupine the best chance of a full recovery.

The costs so far to rehabilitate this porcupine have been huge. Costs include: chemicals for sedation, wound flush supplies, bandaging materials, fluids, critical food formula, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, and the time of our veterinarian and wildlife rehabilitators.
 
This is our busiest time of year for animal intakes and admissions and we need your support to help cover the costs of the care of this porcupine. Every little truly does make a difference, and we will continue to keep you updated on this porcupine’s progress.

Thank you for your support!

How You Can Help:

· Donate today through our "Porcupine's Story" GoFundMe campaign.

· Call us at [phone redacted] to make a donation.

If you would prefer to donate via cheque, donations are gratefully accepted at our mailing address:

Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
PO Box 68
Madden, AB
Canada
T0M 1L0

* All donations over $15.00 will receive a tax receipt via mail/e-mail 3-4 weeks after the donation has been made.