Quill Jig

Built right here at Wisdom River Works, The Quill Jig is a simple tool to aid in the removal of porcupine quills from a dogs mouth.  Inspired by the old "broomstick and duct tape" method, the quill jig holds the dogs mouth open during quill removal.  This is recommended for emergency use only - seek veterinary assistance prior to or after the use of the Quill Jig.  Made in the USA of products sourced in North America.  

The Quill Jig is simple in both form and function, making it an effective and easy tool to use.  The aluminum frame is constructed with two opposing tapped holes that accept adjustable threaded nylon rods.  The frame, and hence the nylon rods, are secured in the dog's mouth with a "Quick Release" webbing strap that goes under the dog's ears and around the back of the neck. 

The Quill Jig offers safe access into most dog's mouths for a majority of porcupine encounters.   The Quill jig can aid effective removal of quills embeded in the back of the mouth, roof of the mouth, tongue and gums, especially when immediate veterinary care is inconvenient or a great distance.  

The best place is a comfortable working height in a well-lit area.

Having a "second set of hands," in the form of a helper is strongly advised.  First, you will likely need to restrain the dog by securing its feet together with Vetrap, Coban, or some other easily removable tape.  Lay the dog on very soft, comfortable bedding. (See the "Tips for Pulling Quills" link.)

Begin by placing the Quill Jig in the dog's mouth, with the threaded pegs nearly touching in the center.  Place in the back of the mouth, but do not force beyond the molars (the teeth in the back of the mouth.)  Most dogs, even those that are a bit hyper, once their feet are restrained and the Quill Jig is in their mouth, will become compliant and assume a submissive and cooperative disposition.  If the dog is thrashing with its paws and/or shaking its head, proceeding with the quill jig is not advised.  The dog will need to be seen by a veterinarian.

Begin by placing the Quill Jig in the dog's mouth, with the threaded pegs nearly touching in the center.  Place in the back of the mouth, but do not force beyond the molars (the teeth in the back of the mouth.)  Most dogs, even those that are a bit hyper, once their feet are restrained and the Quill Jig is in their mouth, will become compliant and assume a submissive and cooperative disposition.  If the dog is thrashing with its paws and/or shaking its head, proceeding with the quill jig is not advised.  The dog will need to be seen by a veterinarian.

Fasten with the Quick Release Buckle.  It should be snug, but there is no need to pull it extra tight.

Once the Quill Jig is secured in the dog's mouth, turn the knobs on each nylon peg out (counter-clockwise) to the extent that they are out as far as possible, but still supported by the dog's molars.  This will provide ample access to the roof of the mouth and back of the tongue. If you extract a peg too far and need to twist a peg back in toward the center of the mouth, you will either need to hold the dog's lip/gums out of the way, or remove the strap and jig from the dog's mouth, re-center the pegs, and start over.

To gain access in either back corner of the mouth, one peg can be adjusted "in" and the other "out" if necessary.  You will need to loosen the Quill Jig and re-secure in order to do this.

To see graphic photos of the Quill Jig in use, please follow this link.

Special Thanks to Fast Eddy for his patience during the photo session.

THE QUILL JIG IS FABRICATED IN MONTANA OF MATERIALS MADE IN THE USA

A huge thanks goes to all our four-legged companions at home and in the field....For the heart and hunt they put into all they do, and all the joy they bring us.  Special thanks, of course, goes to all our dogs that have been indoctrinated into "The Royal Order of the Quill".  

Tips for the removal of Porcupine Quills:

Remember, having a Veterinarian pull quills is always a good choice.

Make sure both you and the dog are as comfortable as possible.  Put the dog on soft bedding - at a working height that does not impede your back, vision or ability.  Put the dog up on a table and secure all four feet together with Vetrap, Coban or some other easily removable tape.  Use a headlamp in a well lit area.  A partner to help comfort and secure the dog is recommended.

Do NOT cut the quills first......This is a myth about "deflating the quills".......It only lengthens the removal time and increases the chance that one of the cut quills is inhaled or gets stuck elsewhere.

Relax.  Be patient, but deliberate.  Don’t rush.  Concentrate on being calm and efficient.

Remove the most difficult and quills furthest back first, or those that are in the way of reaching them.  Removing the easiest or the “low-hanging fruit” will only agitate the dog for the more difficult removals.  Quills in the nose and outer lips tend to be the easiest to remove, but also tend to be more painful for the dog and bloodiest when removed.  Remove quills from the roof of the mouth, back of the tongue, way back in the gums first, as they are the most difficult, however, seem to be less agitating to the dog.

Grasp the quill with a forceps, strong hemostat or quality needlenose pliers. Grasp very close to the tissue. Pull STRAIGHT out........Do not roll or twist the pliers or hemostat as you pull.....This only increases the chances of breaking the quill.

Mentally mark the location of the quill that you are pulling and watch it come out.  Immediately inspect the pulled quill to make sure it is complete and did not break.  If it did break, look for the stub in the location of the original pull and pull it next.

Float the quills off of the forceps or pliers in a bowl of water.

When you feel you are done…..Thoroughly inspect the dog several times over for several days.  Subcutaneous quills in the chest or lips are sometimes quite difficult to detect.  Loose quills in longer coated dogs can slip by undetected, only to embed later.  Watch for infections all over the dog, as you may have missed a quill you did not realize was embedded.

Veterinary Inspection is ALWAYS recommended after pulling quills from a dog.

Soft food for a couple days is recommended.

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