CANINE CREEK®
Dog Wash & Pet Boutique

Where dogs would shop
if they could drive... ™

CANINE CREEK
Dog Wash
& Boutique

Ask Dr. Dave - Microchipping (Feb 2008)

Recently, there was an article by the Associated Press with regard to the relationship between microchips and certain cancers. This started a furor in pet owners as many states and counties now require that all dogs be microchipped. At this point, there is NO evidence to support this claim and the benefits of microchipping far outweigh any isolated issues.

There were some reports that purported that certain fibrosarcomas were linked to microchipping but, those turned out to be geographic. Most vaccines were given in the same site as the microchips were placed. A small number of pets developed sarcomas at that site, (think of an oyster when a grain of sand is implanted). Those who have concerns can ask that their practitioner give vaccines in an alternate location. Also noted by the American Veterinary Medical Association is the fact that the strain of mice used in the already flawed study is predisposed to cancers.

There are bigger concerns with microchipping. Not all scanners read all chips. Some chips can migrate a bit so it is important for the person scanning to run the scanner over the entire shoulder area. We recently heard of someone who received a call that their dog had been located in another state. Thing is, the dog was safely ensconced in their backyard. The shelter’s explanation was that 2 dogs received the same chip number. We disagree. We believe that the individual implanting one of the dogs didn’t follow proper procedure which is to scan the chip BEFORE implanting it. The number is then compared to the stickers and labels that come enclosed in the chip packaging. We don’t believe that those numbers matched. In any case, these incidents are rare and the benefits far exceed any risks.

Many people don’t bother to put proper identification on their dogs. Many dogs run around with a collar and no tags. How is anyone to know that the black dog with the red color belongs to the Smiths down the street?  Microchipping is permanent. The dog can’t lose it, you can’t forget to put it back on when Pooky gets out after having a bath, it can’t get hung up in the fence and it can’t slip off when someone tries to grab the dog when it is found wandering. In this area, it is also the law. Chips are still available free of charge at the local shelter or, for a fee at your veterinary office. We offer it at all vaccine clinics and can make an appointment to do it in your home. Microchipping is also available for cats, livestock, turtles, etc....

On another note, recent reports were just released that a veterinary insurance company paid out over $14 million last year in obesity related claims for pets! Maybe we all should get out more often and walk the dog(s).

Dr. Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
(661) 273-1234