In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, all of the Animal rescue workers, myself included, advocated for implanting microchips in pets to facilitate the identification process and speed up reunification with their families. I even included footage of a local SPCA-run Microchip clinic in the “Deleted Scenes” section of my Katrina Tails DVD. Because we live in earthquake country (San Francisco), we decided to have one implanted in our Golden Retriever, Phoenix. We were afraid that an earthquake might strike while we were at work and he was home alone. Due to fire danger, it’s possible that we might be blocked by City officials from returning to our home, as people were in New Orleans after Katrina. I’m very sad to report that Phoenix developed mast cell tumors after the microchip implant and succumbed to cancer last December.
We don’t know, of course, that the microchip caused the tumors or the subsequent cancer. After all, many Goldens develop cancer, but pet guardians might want to read a few studies about the incidence of tumors in animals that underwent implants before deciding on a microchip.
Washington Post article
Anti-chip article
Cancer Study
Another opinion
Here’s one that is pro-microchip.
So, if we don’t use microchips, how will our pets be identified if they become separated from us during a disaster? I don’t know the answer. I’ve heard that tattoos in the ear tend to become so distorted as the pet grows, that they become indecipherable. We saw during Katrina, that pets’ collars can snag and be torn off, or even lost/removed by humans during the rescue intake process. What’s left? GPS? It’s expensive, and the monthly fee might make it prohibitive for many people. There’s also the question of whether or not it would still be working in the event of a major earthquake, as well as the danger that the collar containing the GPS might become separated from the pet.
Here’s a company that makes a GPS system for pets. They’re a great company who was very supportive during the production of my video, Katrina Tails. They use their own technology, GPSTracks, rather than a third-party provider. I haven’t tried the system yet but you might think it’s worth considering. I’ve also included some disaster-preparedness sites in case you’re new to preparing your pet for a disaster.
Global Pet Finder
Pet Preparedness Sites:
Janet Roper, Animal Communicator
FEMA for Kids
FEMA for Adults
HSUS
American Red Cross
2 comments:
Denise, I am so sorry about Phoenix's cancer. We've talked, like the dog parents we are, about our love and devotion to our Goldens - your Phoenix and my Ruby. Even though I never met Phoenix, I feel as if I know him which makes me feel especially saddened about his cancer.
As a breed, Goldens have one of the highest risks, if not THE highest risk of developing cancer, specifically Lymphoma.
I would consider the microchip as a possible cause of canine cancer ONLY in a breed that is not already at a high risk for it. When a Golden, Boxer, German Shepherd, Westie or Pointer get Lymphoma, it would be impossible to conclude that it was because of the microchip with the limited research that has been done.
I scanned the summaries of the research studies you linked to, and as a former graduate student trained up the wazoo in research methodology, I didn't see sufficient scientific evidence supporting any reason to be worried about microchips in dogs. The research that shows an increased rate of cancer was conducted on lab mice and rats that were implanted with microchips.
However, I have heard that there may be more evidence of a connection between microchips and feline cancer; maybe someone who knows more about this will comment.
As a responsible pet owner, and one living in a disaster-prone area, you did the right thing by having Phoenix chipped. Please don't blame his cancer on the microchip and second guess your decision.
If he wasn't chipped and you lost him - well, that's something you would never be able to live with.
For me at this time, the risk of not micro-chipping my dogs is far greater than the small chance that the chip could cause cancer. The risk of being separated from them forever is not a risk I'm willing to take.
If future research shows a stronger connection between microchips and cancer, I'll definitely re-think my decision to have other dogs microchipped.
Hello Denise,
Hope all is well and that this message finds you well. I wanted to thank you for the email announcing your blog and the information you provide. Unfortunately for us, it was a little too timely.
We had our 10-month Dachshund (Ebenezer) microchipped on Thursday. This was after you had sent the email announcing your blog and I forwarded to my roommate before we had Ebie microchipped. We unfortunately went ahead with the procedure and had quite the scare that I thought you might find relevant to what you are doing.
About two hours after the procedure, Ebenezer's right shoulder/back swelled up to be nearly the size of his head. He could not walk or move well and he began to pant and act lethargic. This was when my roommate (a vet tech) checked his gums, which were white, that we knew we had to rush him in to the vet.
They were worried that it may be a clotting issue, but it was not. Thank God the little guy was ok, but they had no explanation of what had happened to him besides that the vet may have 'hit' something like a vein.
I found it very upsetting that they were performing this procedure and that they had no knowledge of any of these types of adverse reactions. The good thing was that he was running around and fine the next morning but it was quite a scare and I am concerned about long-term health risks. We will continue to keep a close eye on him, but I really wanted to thank you for making this information available and bringing the discussion to the table.
Hope everything else is well Denise and I look forward to more blog postings!
Best,
Dylan R.
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