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Microchip implantation
Synonym(s): Chipping, Microchipping
Introduction
- Microchipping involves the implantation of a tiny microchip under the animal's skin. Using special scanning equipment, the microchip's unique serial number can be read. Serial numbers are recorded on a central computer database, together with the name and address of the animal's owner.
- Scanning equipment is used routinely by rescue kennels, dog wardens, and by cruelty and welfare organizations.
- Should a microchipped animal become lost or stolen, there is a good chance that the animal will be scanned and the true owner identified from the central database.
- Any animal traveling to and from the UK as part of the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) Pet travel scheme must have an implanted microchip prior to rabies vaccination.
- In the UK, over 95% of microchipped companion animals are fitted with an Identichip from Animalcare. The data in this technique relate to this company and their products, which conform to FECAVA standards.
- In the US, AVID and Home Again are major players in this market.
Print off the Owner factsheet on microchipping Permanent identification of your cat to give to your client.
Uses
- Animal identification.
- Temperature taking (Bio-Thermo" chips).
- Access to housing and food (cat flaps and feeding stations using RFID technology).
Advantages
- Permanent technique.
- Registration details can be changed if owner details change.
Disadvantages
- Possible migration of microchip: unlikely to be harmful but microchip may fail to be located.
- Not all scanners read all brands of microchips (common in the United States where non-ISO standard microchips are more widespread).
- Temperature measurement on Bio-Thermo" chips are not 100% reliable with suspected hypo/hyperthermia or pyrexia.
- May create imaging artifact on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cervical spine.
Alternative techniques
- Collar with owner's name and address on engraved disk or similar.
- Permanent tattoo.
Time required
Preparation
- 5 minutes.
Procedure
- 2 minutes.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Hicks D, Bagley R (2008) Imaging diagnosis - spinal injury following aberrant microchip placement. Vet Radiol Ultra 49 (2), 152-153 PubMed.
- Greer R J, Cohn L A, Dodam J R et al (2007) Comparison of three methods of temperature measurement in hypothermic, euthermic, and hyperthermic dogs. JAVMA 230 (12), 1841-1848 PubMed.
- Platt S, Wieczorek L, Dennis R et al (2007) Spinal cord injury resulting from incorrect microchip placement in a cat. J Feline Med Surg 9 (2), 157-160 PubMed.
- Vascellari M, Melchiotti E & Mutinelli F (2006) Fibrosarcoma with typical features of postinjection sarcoma at site of microchip implant in a dog: histologic and immunohistochemical study. Vet Pathol 43 (4), 545-548 PubMed.
- Jansen J A, van der Waerden J P, Gwalter R H et al (1999) Biological and migrational characteristics of transponders implanted into beagle dogs. Vet Rec 145 (12), 329-333 PubMed.
- Butcher R (1997) The new ISO standard. Which microchip should I use? JSAP 38 (8), 369-370 PubMed.
- Ingwersen W (1996) Everything you ever wanted to know about microchips. Can Vet J 37 (11), 667-671 PubMed.
- Burk R L, Eich D W (1995) Migrating microchip. JAVMA 206 (12), 1838 PubMed.
- Mrozek M, Fischer R, Trendelenburg M et al (1995) Microchip implant system used for animal identification in laboratory rabbits, guineapigs, woodchucks and amphibians. Lab Anim 29 (3), 339-344 PubMed.
- Sorensen M A, Buss M S, Tyler J W (1995) Accuracy of microchip identification in dogs and cats. JAVMA 207 (6), 766-767 PubMed.
- Ball D J, Argentieri G, Krause R et al (1991) Evaluation of a microchip implant system used for animal identification in rats. Lab Anim Sci 41 (2), 185-186 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Department for Environmental, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (2013): https://www.gov.uk/pet-travel-information-for-pet-owners#microchips [Accessed 11 November 2013].
- WSAVA (2012)Microchip Identification Guidelines[Online]. Available from: http://www.wsava.org/guidelines/microchip-identification-guidelines [Accessed 28 October 2013].
Organisation(s)
- Animalcare Limited, Common Road, Dunnington, York YO1 5RU, UK. Tel: 01904 488661.