Microchipping???

[MayKay&SaJo]

I just called to make an appointment with my vet and mentioned that I wanted to Microchip Rolen at his first appointment. They said that they didn't want to microchip him until they needed to perform some other type of surgery on him like a crop or neuter because the needle is very large and painful. They prefer to anesthetize young pups before microchipping. I think I've changed my mind about cropping his ears and don't plan to neuter him until he is six months old, but I don't want to wait that long to make sure that he will have a chance to make it back home if he somehow gets lost. I also don't want him to be put under unless it is absolutely necessary & at the same time I don't want him to be in any pain. I understand the vet's stance, but was wondering how other pups have done during the microchipping procedure.

 

[courtney323]

I think I've changed my mind about cropping his ears and don't plan to neuter him until he is six months old

A bit off topic, but I would neuter him before 6 months of age. If you want the maximum health benefits for your male, it is best to neuter him before puberty. Here are a few good articles on the subject, that I borrowed from a previous thread:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1625&articleid=903
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1625&articleid=911
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1629&articleid=914

 

[EmmaGem]

I've seen my foster dogs get microchipped, and it's not such a big deal. The needle is a bit bigger than most, but if the dog is distracted with treats, they hardly notice it. It would be handy to do it during the neuter surgery, but I wouldn't let the pain factor stop you from doing it before then if that's what you choose to do.

 

[Clover's Mom]

Just an FYI, my vet said the same thing, then (I think because I had a stupid look on my face) she brought me out the needle and I cringed at the thought of it. This needle is very large, bigger than the tip of a pen. I'm at my office right now and the only thing I can think of that is as big as the needle my vet showed me is the white-out tape dispenser (the little triangle part that holds the whiteout tape so you can press it down on the paper), or even better visual, the tip of a small highlighter.

I know some dogs that have gone through it and didn't even flinch...but I waited until Clover was spayed at 4 months (she got everything then, spayed, microchipped and her rabies shot - all while she was under).

 

[elbykitty]

Microchipping

Hello. Oscar was microchipped 2 weeks ago, and I think it was more painful for me than him. Yes the needle is big but Oscar got over it in seconds with treats and lots of good boys. As for neutering my vet will not even talk about neutering him before he is year old. He says sometimes boxers are more sensitive to aenesthia and he feels that there is less of a chance of complications if he is older and precautions with not using certain medications(unsure which ones he is talking about, just that it is a common one used) during surgery can prevent some of the complications with surgery and boxers. I am not saying not to neuter him before one year, but my vet won't consider it unless Oscar is having any behavioral problems or he is exposed to any unspayed females. Myself, I think is microchipping is essential as shots. An ounce of prevention.
Elbykitty
mom of Oscar 18 week old boxer
Mom of Lilly 3 year old hound rescue

 

[sherri0121]

I think Hailey was in for being spayed when she got herchip. Jasmine was in getting some yearly when I asked about microchipping her. She was done during the visit and I don't recall her minding the shot. Yes the needle is big! :eek: Sophie was chipped at about 10 weeks. She screamed like a little girl! Worst part is I noticed it coming out the next day. The vet asked me to bring her back in. It had to be taken out and another one put in. She definately wasn't a happy camper. I told my vet that if she never want's to come back again it was all his fault and he'd have to deal with her Apparently, the batch they had that they gave to Sophie (first time around) there were several that had come out except the ones given while the dogs were under anastisia (sp?)

 

[Ronin1]

I had Ronin chipped about a year ago with the Home again chip from my Vet. Yes, the needle is scary looking. When my Vet gave him the shot, he kind of looked around at what was happening, but didn't flinch a bit. It was WAY worse for me than it was for him. I can get a shot myself without a problem, but just can't look at it being done :rolleyes:

 

[Shanz]

Cinnamon didnt get chipped under anaesthetic, the vet recommended we do it when she got psayed but she got into the habit of jumping the fence so I wanted it done then. She brought the needle out and showed me..its the size of a body piercing needle. Cinamon didnt even flinch. In my opinion, its personal preference, if you dont want it right away then wait if you do then get it done.

As for neutering my vet will not even talk about neutering him before he is year old. He says sometimes boxers are more sensitive to aenesthia and he feels that there is less of a chance of complications if he is older and precautions with not using certain medications(unsure which ones he is talking about, just that it is a common one used) during surgery can prevent some of the complications with surgery and boxers.

Do a search on the board for Acepromazine or ACE* or ATRAVET. Ace and atravet (basically the same thing) can potentially be lethal to boxers. It is a pre operation sedative, but there are alternatives to it such as valium. the fact that your vet is refusing to neuter him because he says he could be more sensitive to anesthetic worries me.

 

[karonadams]

yeppers, that is a BIG needle! but it only slips just below the skin and the dogs (I have had two chipped) don't seem to notice at all. might be a little bit more uncomfortable for a pup, but still not that huge a deal. i would say a pup needs to be chipped as much or more than an older dog. i say, get it done.

karon

 

[Champster]

Champ got his chip when he was neutered at six months. Thank goodness my husband took him in...from the sounds of it, had I seen the needle I think I would have grabbed Champ and ran :eek: