microchipping health issues?

[coaster]

I was wondering if there are any health issues to be aware of with respect to microchipping?

thanks....

Tim

[OsnobunnieO]

I haven't heard of any. The material used for the chip is very easily accepted into the body. I think the risk of a reaction is minimal, if any.

Putting the chip in is simple, it isn't any sort of surgery like some people think. Its just like getting a shot (with a larger needle). Even the pain seems minimal. My cat barely wimpered when he got it (although he's an angel at the vet, doesn't fight or anything). He didn't seem tender or anything while I was petting him later that day.

The needle is also packed in a sterile kit, so infection isn't an issue.

I'm sure there are things that can go wrong. But as long as you have a vet or someone who knows what they're doing install the chip, you shouldn't have any problems.

[emma_pen]

I aggree, its a relatively safe and straightforward procedure. Chips can migrate, so its a good idea to get it scanned annually, just to make sure, though in a fully grown animal this rarely happens. All of my cats are still in place, though one of my dogs has migrated to the front of his shoulder.

I did here of one rupturing and causing major problems in a Doberman, but I have never experienced or seen any problems for myself, and all my pets are done.

Ems x

[Zalensia]

All of my cats are done, I had them all done as kittens just after they were spayed, thats well over a year ago now and ive had no problems

[Ducky]

Since we are on the subject, do places look for microchips frequently? I Have heard that tattoos were better because they are noticable right away.
Are there pros & cons to getting one over the other?

[drjean]

The only problem I've had with microchips (and I've installed a lot) was my own immuno-suppressed cat, who developed a sterile abscess from it. Nasty.

I recommend placing the chip slightly off the midline, and low enough so a collar won't ride over it, which can cause irritation.

It is a great idea to scan everyone annually. My dog's chip became unfunctional for some reason, so I put in another one. It worked fine for the rest of his life.

Currently there are two main types of microchips with different frequencies. Avid and HomeAgain use similar types, but the one being used by Banfield is different. Virtually all of the scanners in clinics and shelters can ONLY detect the Avid and HomeAgain chips. There have been several documented cases of dogs entering shelters, scanned, no chip found, and ultimately they were euthanized. Later it was discovered that they had a Banfield chip. Banfield's policy does NOT include mentioning this little detail to owners (although this may have changed since I last heard).

Banfield and Avid are embroiled in lawsuits over this technology. Banfield admits that their scanners are not found in most shelters, but they are planning to distribute "thousands" in the next few years. BTW, there are more than 50,000 shelters in the US.

Banfield does have a point, though, in that they are using the chip certified by the ISO (international standards organization), the same chips used in the EU. Eventually (they claim), theirs will be the primary standard. They appear to be attempting to corner the market for this chip in the US; so what if it doesn't work for the next 10 years.

For now, virtually nobody here can scan for it, so it is the same as not having a chip at all (only more expensive) -- and the "peace of mind" of several owners who knew their pets were chipped kept them from thinking of calling shelters until it was too late.

The problem with tattoos is that they are not standardized; there are several registries; and shelters may not check for them, especially in a long-haired or uncooperative animal.

All my cats are chipped (HomeAgain), even though they are exclusively indoors. It's cheap insurance, really. Registration with the AKC costs a few bucks, and you have to remember to update the records if you move or an animal dies, but overall I have been very pleased with these chips.

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

[coaster]

thanks all! this has been especially informative.

my cats don't like collars AND neither do I. I want to protect them by making them identifiable if they get out and get picked up. I guess I will have to call around and find out if animals are routinely scanned here.

Tim

[emma_pen]

Even though my cats are chipped, they all wear safety collars with a tag saying 'MICROCHIPPED' on it, just in case. Everywhere is supposed to routinely scan all strays, but I know it doesn't run this smoothly. Some shelters have such cheap and crappy scanners that won't pick up some chips, others don't bother scanning everything. Sad, but true. And at least if my cats were taken somewhere, and the chip didn't scan, the fact they have the tag on means the person scanning would try and try to locate the chip.

Ems

[coaster]

that's a great idea. will keep in mind in deciding when & whether to microchip my little furrballs.

Tim