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Microchips
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a permanent identification number in a small
chip about the size and shape of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the skin of an animal,
most often between the shoulder blades. Occasionally some chips may slide about under the skin a bit and move
down the shoulder or back. Newer chips,
like the ones used at Rock Bridge Animal Hospital, are specially designed to
avoid this migration under the skin. It
is sterile and safe for your pet. It
does not get lost when your pet runs away or when they lose their collar.
Does it contain all of my contact
information?
No, a microchip does not contain any of your contact
information, or your pet's information. It contains one unique number- an identification number. When you get the microchip, or a pet which
already has a microchip, you will need to register your contact information
with the company that produced that chip, or with another company who accepts registrations from all types of
microchips, such as Home Again or 24PetWatch. This company will maintain your information, so keep it up to date! When your pet is scanned the microchip number
will appear, the person will contact the microchip company, or Home Again, and
the company will contact you.
If my pet is has a microchip will they
be able to tell me where he is located? Can someone track my pet with his
microchip?
No. A microchip is
not a tracking device. It does not
transmit a signal that can be tracked. It is only a permanent identification number which will have to be
scanned in order to be detected. If your
pet is lost he or she will have to be found and taken to a facility which has a
scanner before a person will know the identification number in order to contact
you and let you know where your pet is located.
Some chip readers can read all types of microchips. Some
chip readers will only read one type of chip but will tell you there is another
brand of chip present- in which case you will need to seek out a different
reader to get the number. The reader
that we use at Rock Bridge Animal Hospital, and most newer chip readers, will
read all chip numbers.
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Anal
Glands
What are
the anal sacs?
Popularly called
‘anal glands’, these are two small pouches located on either side of the anus
at approximately the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions. The glands
inside of the sac produce a foul smelling secretion. Each sac is connected to
the outside by a small duct which opens just inside the anus.
What is
their function?
The secretion
acts as a territorial marker – a pet’s ‘calling card’. The sacs are present in
both male and female dogs and cats, and are normally emptied when the animal
defecates. This is why dogs are so interested in smelling one another’s feces.
(Ewh!)
Why are
the anal sacs causing a problem in my dog?
Anal sac
disease is very common in dogs, and can occur in cats. The sacs frequently
become impacted, due to blockage of the ducts from allergies. Pets with persistent diarrhea or soft stools
may not express their anal sacs very well which can lead to filling up of the
sacs as well. The secretion within the impacted sacs will thicken and the sacs
will become swollen and distended. It is then painful for your pet to pass
feces. It can also become very itchy.
Your pet may lick the anal area or scoot their bottom on the floor to relieve
their discomfort.
What
should I do?
Problems with
the anal gland are common in all dogs, regardless of size, breed or sex. It can
also occur in cats, although it is less frequent. If you are concerned that your pet may have an
anal sac problem, call your veterinarian at once. It is quite likely that they will recommend
expressing the anal glands to remove the fluid. If impaction has occurred or an abscess has developed a more aggressive
treatment may be needed.
Is the
condition likely to recur?
Many pets will
have recurrent anal sac problems. Recurrent problems can results in scarring and narrowing of the ducts,
leading to even more frequent recurrences. Speak with your veterinarian for his/her recommendations on long term
treatments or other medical recommendations.
What does it mean to “Express the Anal
Glands”? Expressing the
anal glands is a procedure to manually empty the fluid from the glands, often
indicated with mild anal gland problems. It can be done either externally (from the
outside), or internally (from the inside), and should be done by a trained
and qualified animal professional- like your veterinarian or their trained
staff.
My dog is
very nervous and sometimes seems to express his own glands. Is this normal?
It is common
for animals to express their anal sacs, particularly if frightened. Some dogs
even appear to lack control of the anus or anal sac ducts so that small
quantities of fluid will drain out when they are resting. This, of course,
leaves an unpleasant lingering odor in the home. Talk with your veterinarian if this is
occurring with your pet.
Here is a
little video that shows what is involved:
Anal Gland Expression (AGE)
(Please Note: ONLY a veterinarian or trained
animal professional should ever
attempt an internal expression of the anal glands. Serious problems can develop
if done improperly.) |
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