Do Pet Microchips Comeout? Understanding Migration Risks

Do pet microchips come out? In rare cases, yes, microchips can come out, although it’s not common. While designed to remain safely embedded for the pet’s lifetime, several factors can contribute to microchip expulsion in animals, microchip migration in pets, and other veterinary microchip problems. This article delves into the reasons behind these occurrences, potential risks, and what pet owners should know to ensure their furry friends’ continued safety and identification.

Image Source: uplandanimalhospital.com

How Microchips Work: A Quick Review

Before we dive into the potential issues, let’s quickly review how microchips work. A pet microchip is a tiny, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder, about the size of a grain of rice. It’s implanted just under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades.

• Passive Technology: Microchips are passive. This means they don’t have a power source and don’t transmit any information unless scanned.
• Unique Identification: Each microchip contains a unique identification number that, when scanned by a compatible scanner, displays on the scanner screen. This number is linked to the pet owner’s contact information in a registry.
• Permanent Identification: The goal is for the microchip to remain in place for the pet’s entire life, providing a permanent form of identification.

Factors Influencing Microchip Stability

The initial implantation process and the pet’s own body contribute to microchip stability.

Proper Implantation Technique

A skilled veterinarian or trained technician is crucial for proper implantation.

• Correct Location: Implanting the microchip in the correct location (subcutaneously between the shoulder blades) minimizes the risk of dislodged microchip in cats and dogs.
• Proper Insertion Angle: Using the correct insertion angle and depth is also essential.
• Sterile Conditions: Maintaining sterile conditions during implantation reduces the risk of infection, which could lead to inflammation and potential expulsion.

Tissue Encapsulation

After implantation, the body forms a thin layer of connective tissue around the microchip.

• Fibrous Capsule: This fibrous capsule helps hold the microchip in place, preventing microchip migration.
• Individual Variation: The extent of tissue encapsulation can vary between pets, potentially impacting microchip stability.

Reasons Why Microchips Might Come Out

Although designed to stay put, microchips can sometimes be expelled or migrate. Microchip migration risks are relatively low but need to be acknowledged.

Infection at the Injection Site

Infection can disrupt the tissue encapsulation process.

• Bacterial Contamination: Bacterial contamination during or after implantation can lead to inflammation and abscess formation.
• Tissue Damage: The resulting tissue damage can weaken the fibrous capsule, making it easier for the microchip to work its way out.
• Expulsion: In severe cases, the body may actively try to expel the microchip.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, some pets may have an allergic reaction to the microchip material.

• Inflammation: An allergic reaction can cause inflammation and swelling around the implantation site.
• Rejection: This inflammation might interfere with proper tissue encapsulation and lead to the body rejecting the microchip.

Trauma to the Implantation Site

Direct trauma to the implantation site can dislodge or damage the microchip.

• Blunt Force: A blow to the area could physically move the microchip.
• Scar Tissue: Excessive scar tissue formation from the trauma could also affect the microchip’s position.

Improper Implantation

If the microchip isn’t implanted correctly, it may be more prone to migration or expulsion.

• Too Shallow: If implanted too shallowly, the microchip might not be adequately anchored.
• Incorrect Angle: Implanting at an incorrect angle can also affect stability.

Manufacturing Defects

Although rare, a defect in the microchip itself could contribute to problems.

• Glass Cylinder Integrity: Cracks or imperfections in the glass cylinder could make it more likely to break or cause irritation.
• Chip Malfunction: While not directly related to expulsion, a malfunctioning chip renders the identification useless.

Tumor Formation

While extremely rare, there have been isolated reports of tumor formation at the site of microchip implantation.

• Connective Tissue Tumors: The tumors reported have generally been connective tissue tumors.
• Causation: A direct causal link between microchips and tumor formation is still debated and requires more research.
• Expulsion Risk: Tumor growth could potentially lead to microchip expulsion or migration.

Recognizing Signs of Microchip Problems

Pet owners should be vigilant about observing their pets for any signs of pet microchip complications.

Visible Signs

Look for visual changes at the implantation site.

• Swelling: Noticeable swelling or inflammation.
• Redness: Redness or irritation of the skin.
• Discharge: Any discharge (pus, blood) from the implantation site.
• Protrusion: The microchip becoming visible or palpable under the skin.

Behavioral Changes

Changes in behavior can also indicate a problem.

• Licking or Chewing: Excessive licking or chewing at the implantation site.
• Pain Sensitivity: Pain or sensitivity when the area is touched.
• Lethargy: Unusual lethargy or decreased appetite.

No Microchip Detected

If a veterinarian or shelter worker can’t detect the microchip during a routine scan.

• Scanner Malfunction: Try scanning with a different scanner to rule out scanner malfunction.
• Migration: The microchip may have migrated to another location in the body.
• Microchip Failure: The microchip may have failed.

Dealing with a Migrated or Expelled Microchip

If you suspect your pet’s microchip has migrated or been expelled, take these steps.

Veterinary Examination

A vet examination is a must.

• Confirmation: The vet can confirm whether the microchip is still present and functioning.
• Location Assessment: If the microchip has migrated, the vet can determine its new location through palpation and imaging (X-rays or ultrasound).
• Treatment: If there’s infection or inflammation, the vet can provide appropriate treatment.

Microchip Removal Surgery Pet

If a microchip has migrated and is causing problems or is difficult to locate, microchip removal surgery pet may be necessary.

• Surgical Excision: The vet will surgically remove the microchip.
• Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.
• Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks associated with microchip removal, such as infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications.

Replacement Microchip

If the microchip is removed, discuss the possibility of implanting a new one with your veterinarian.

• Benefits: A replacement microchip ensures your pet remains permanently identifiable.
• Considerations: Discuss the risks and benefits of re-implantation with your vet, especially if your pet has experienced previous subcutaneous microchip issues.

Minimizing Microchip Problems

Pet owners can take several steps to minimize the risk of microchip failure in pets or migration.

Choose a Reputable Veterinarian

Ensure the veterinarian has experience in microchip implantation.

• Proper Technique: Experienced vets are more likely to use proper implantation techniques.
• Sterile Procedures: They will also adhere to strict sterile procedures.

Monitor the Implantation Site

Keep a close eye on the implantation site after the procedure.

• Early Detection: Monitor for any signs of infection, inflammation, or swelling.
• Prompt Veterinary Care: Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any problems.

Annual Veterinary Checkups

During annual checkups, ask your veterinarian to scan the microchip.

• Verification: This verifies that the microchip is still in place and functioning properly.
• Early Detection: Early detection of migration can prevent more serious problems.

Keep Contact Information Updated

It’s crucial to keep your contact information up-to-date in the microchip registry.

• Lost Pet Recovery: Accurate contact information ensures you can be reached if your pet is lost and found.
• Registry Updates: Update your information whenever you move or change your phone number.

Microchip Migration: Understanding the Risks

While microchip migration in pets is not common, it is a possibility.

Potential Complications

Migration can lead to several complications.

• Difficulty Scanning: A migrated microchip may be difficult to scan, especially if it moves to an unusual location.
• Nerve Damage: In rare cases, a migrating microchip could potentially cause nerve damage.
• Inflammation: Chronic inflammation at the migration site.

Common Migration Locations

The microchip usually migrates down the body.

• Neck and Shoulders: The microchip can migrate down the neck and shoulder area.
• Legs: The front or rear legs.
• Abdomen: Rarely, the microchip can migrate to the abdomen.

Diagnosing Microchip Migration

Veterinarians use a combination of techniques to diagnose migration.

• Palpation: Feeling for the microchip under the skin.
• Scanning: Attempting to scan the microchip in different locations.
• Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound to locate the microchip if it cannot be found through palpation and scanning.

Lost Microchip in Dogs and Cats: What to Do?

If you think your pet’s microchip is lost microchip in dogs or cats, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Initial Steps

• Veterinary Visit: Schedule a veterinary appointment to check for the microchip.
• Multiple Scans: The vet will use a microchip scanner to search for the chip.
• Documentation Check: Review your pet’s records to verify the microchip number and registry information.

If the Microchip Cannot Be Found

• Full Body Scan: Ask your vet to do a complete body scan, including limbs and abdomen.
• Imaging: If the chip remains elusive, imaging techniques like X-rays or ultrasound can help locate it.
• Consider Re-chipping: If the microchip is truly lost or malfunctioning, discuss the option of implanting a new microchip with your vet.

Microchip Expulsion in Animals: Prevention and Action

Microchip expulsion in animals is a rare but significant concern. Proactive measures and prompt action are essential.

Prevention Strategies

• Proper Implantation: Ensure the microchip is implanted correctly.
• Monitor for Infection: Regularly check the implantation site for signs of infection or inflammation.
• Avoid Trauma: Protect the implantation site from trauma or injury.

If Expulsion Occurs

• Veterinary Attention: Seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect microchip expulsion.
• Clean the Area: Gently clean the area with antiseptic solution if the microchip has already come out.
• Save the Microchip: If possible, save the microchip and bring it to the vet for examination.
• Consider Re-chipping: Discuss the possibility of implanting a new microchip with your veterinarian.

FAQs About Pet Microchips

What is the likelihood of a pet microchip coming out?

The likelihood of a pet microchip coming out is relatively low, with most microchips remaining safely embedded for the pet’s lifetime. Expulsion is considered a rare event.

Can I feel the microchip in my pet?

Yes, in some cases, you might be able to feel the microchip under your pet’s skin, especially in smaller animals or those with thin fur. It usually feels like a small, firm grain of rice.

Who is responsible for registering the microchip?

The pet owner is responsible for registering the microchip and keeping their contact information up-to-date.

Can a microchip be removed from a pet?

Yes, a microchip can be surgically removed from a pet if necessary, especially if it has migrated and is causing problems or is difficult to locate.

What are the risks associated with microchip removal?

Risks associated with microchip removal include infection, bleeding, anesthesia complications, and potential nerve damage.

How often should I have my pet’s microchip scanned?

You should have your pet’s microchip scanned at least once a year during their annual veterinary checkup to ensure it is still in place and functioning properly.

Is microchip implantation painful for pets?

Microchip implantation is generally considered a quick and relatively painless procedure. Most pets tolerate it well with minimal discomfort.

What happens if a pet microchip fails?

If a pet microchip fails, it will no longer be scannable. In this case, it is recommended to have a new microchip implanted.

Final Thoughts

While pet microchip complications such as expulsion or migration are rare, it’s essential for pet owners to be aware of the potential risks and take proactive steps to minimize them. Proper implantation, regular monitoring, and keeping contact information updated are key to ensuring that microchips serve their intended purpose: providing a permanent form of identification for our beloved companions. By staying informed and vigilant, we can help safeguard our pets and increase the chances of a happy reunion if they ever become lost.