Posts in Category: Client Information

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a tiny transponder, about the size of a grain of sand, which is encoded with a unique identification number. It is used for permanent identification. The technology is relatively recent but is becoming widely available.

How is the microchip put into my pet?

Before insertion, the sterile microchip is scanned in the package to confirm that the identification code of the transponder is the same as that shown on the package bar code label.

The needle containing the microchip is loaded into the application syringe, and the pet is positioned for the injection. For dogs and cats, the standard site for microchip placement is under the skin (in the subcutaneous tissue) between the pet’s shoulder blades. For correct placement, the pet should be either lying on its stomach or standing. Some of the loose skin between the shoulder blades is gently pulled up, and the needle is quickly inserted. The applicator trigger is depressed, injecting the transponder, or microchip, into the tissues.

Once the chip is inserted, the pet is scanned to ensure that the chip is reading properly, and the identification number is checked. It is now a permanent and tamperproof method that cannot be lost.

Does it hurt to insert the chip?

The procedure is fast, safe, and relatively pain-free in most pets. The chips are usually inserted without incident, even in the tiniest kittens and puppies.

The application needle is quite large, and some clients will choose to have the microchip implanted at the time of spaying or neutering, so that the pet can be anesthetized for the injection. However, this is not necessary, and the microchip can be implanted at any time that is convenient.

Is there anything I have to do?

Once your pet is microchipped, you must register him or her with the appropriate agency. Your veterinarian will provide you with the relevant documents and contact information and will tell you if any fees are required. Failure to register your pet’s microchip identification will render the entire process useless. If you move or change your contact information, be sure to update your pet’s microchip information. If your pet is lost and recovered, this information will be used to reunite you with your pet.

How is the microchip detected?

The microchip can be “read” with a microchip scanner, which detects the specific electronic code embedded in the chip, and displays the identification number on the scanner’s screen.

Since the occasional microchip may migrate, or move out of position, the microchip reader will be passed over the entire body of the pet in order to ensure that the chip will be detected if present.

Most, if not all, humane societies, animal shelters, and veterinary hospitals now have microchip readers and routinely scan all stray and injured animals.

My pet always wears a collar with identification tags. Isn’t this enough?

Unfortunately, collars and tags can break, be lost, or be removed. When the tags are new, they are easy to read. However, as they get old and worn, it can become challenging to make out all the information that is on them.

My pet has a tattoo already. Why should I microchip him?

Unfortunately, tattoos can be difficult to read. They are commonly placed in the flank area, where they can be obscured by hair. Even when they are in the ears, they can become faded over time. They can also be readily altered. Even when they are readable, the information about the pet and its owner can be difficult to obtain.

Microchips cannot be easily misread, and the identification number is tamper-proof. The information about the pet and owner is usually readily retrievable.

Vaccinating your cat is a cornerstone of preventing disease and protecting their health. There are many different vaccinations available today.

For more information on a particular vaccine, please click on its link.

• Rabies vaccine – Rabies is a fatal disease which can infect both pets and people. Because of the serious nature of rabies, our community has implemented laws requiring rabies vaccines for all dogs and cats.
• HCP vaccine (herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia virus) – also known as “RCP”
  • Feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis) and feline calicivirus are all diseases commonly found in the environment. For this reason, almost all cats are at risk for these diseases, and these vaccines are considered core vaccines.
  • At Blue Ravine Animal Hospital, HCP vaccination is given to kittens as a pair of two injection 3-4 weeks apart. This injection is then good for 3 years. Adult cats who have been previously vaccinated receive a single injection which is good for 3 years.
• Leukemia vaccine (FeLV vaccine) – Leukemia is a deadly virus of cats, transmitted by contact with other cats (usually through shared areas or cat bites). Leukemia is not considered a “core” vaccine; rather it is given to cats based on their risk of infection. Cats with exposure to unvaccinated cats, or exposure to areas that are visited by unvaccinated cats (e.g. cats that go outdoors), should be vaccinated for leukemia.

Click for information on canine vaccines.

Vaccinating your dog is a cornerstone of preventing disease and protecting their health. There are many different vaccinations available today. Which vaccines are recommended to your particular dog depends on many factors, such as age, medical history, environment, travel habits, and lifestyle.

Our goal is to keep you well informed of which vaccinations are available and to help you determine which vaccinations are most appropriate to your pet. Vaccinations are currently divided into two categories: Core and non-core vaccinations.

For more information on a particular disease, please click on its link.

Core Canine Vaccinations

Core canine vaccinations are those that are considered to be important to all dogs. These include:

• Rabies vaccine – Rabies is a fatal disease which can infect both pets and people. Because of the serious nature of rabies, our community has implemented laws requiring rabies vaccines for all dogs and cats.

• DAP vaccine (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus)
  • Canine distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus are all diseases which are or have been quite common. They are easily transmitted and quite serious once acquired. Many times these diseases are fatal. For these reasons, vaccinations against these diseases are considered core vaccines and are important for all dogs.
  • Distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus vaccine are given together as a combination vaccination.
  • At Blue Ravine Animal Hospital, DAP vaccination is given to puppies as a pair of two injections 3-4 weeks apart. This injection is then good for 3 years. Adult dogs who have been previously vaccinated receive a single injection which is good for 3 years.

Non-core vaccinations are those that are typically given based on a patient’s risk of exposure. These include:

• Leptospirosis vaccine – Leptospirosis is a serious disease which is transmitted in the urine of wild animals. This disease is contagious to people as well as dogs. For this reason, leptospirosis vaccination is recommended for dogs that have some exposure to areas inhabited by wildlife (e.g. they will go to the river or the lake, or they have a yard visited by animals such as raccoons or skunks).
• Lyme vaccine – Lyme disease is a serious disease carried by ticks, and dogs which are prone to tick exposure are candidates for the Lyme disease vaccine. Lyme disease is contagious to humans as well (transmitted through the bite of a contagious tick).
• Bordetella vaccine – Bordetella is a common component of “kennel cough.” This vaccination is recommended (and sometimes required) for dogs that frequent the dog park, the groomer, or boarding facilities.
• Rattlesnake vaccine – Rattlesnake vaccine is recommended for all dogs with significant risk of rattlesnake bite. Protection from this vaccine lasts for between 6-12 months.

Click for information on feline vaccines.