Hand injuries in a human caused by a South American porcupine (ouriço-cacheiro)

Abstract

Human injuries caused by South American porcupines (in Portuguese,ouriço-cacheiro) are rare. This study reports severe hand injuries provoked by the body spines of the animal in a human and discusses the circumstances involved in the accident, with emphasis on environmental factors.

Close Encounter With a Prickly Soccer Ball: An Injury From an Indian Crested Porcupine

“…Therefore, the affected skin surface should be thoroughly cleansed, and the patient should be administered antibiotics to cover both gram-positive cocci and anaerobes. 12,13 Tetanus toxoid is also recommended. Quills should be firmly gripped with pliers and removed by applying a strong force directly opposite to the direction of penetration without twisting or breaking the quills.…”

Clinical Manifestation, Histopathology, and Imaging of Traumatic Injuries Caused by Brazilian Porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) Quills

“…Porcupines climb up trees and from these they may accidentally move on to wires or posts in residential areas close to the reforested areas. The urban inhabitants living close to the forest as well as tourists visiting the forest and people practicing sports (Figure 4(c)) may accidentally come upon the porcupine with a consequent risk of injuries from spines as these are part of the animal's defense mechanisms [5, 9]. Accidents like these are considered rare or anecdotal.…”