The Importance of Microchips

Lord LK, Ingwersen W, Gray JL, Wintz DJ. Characterization of animals with microchips entering animal shelters. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jul 15;235(2):160-7.

This study characterized 7,704 microchipped animals entering 53 animal shelters between August 2007 and March 2008. Of this number, strays made up slightly more than half (53%), with the remainder designated as owner-relinquished animals (41.9%) and other (5.1%). The results showed that animal shelters were able to find the owners of three-fourths of stray dogs and cats with microchips. The ability to find owners was higher in dogs, animals that were purebred, and animals that were spayed or neutered. Animal shelters had a much higher likelihood of finding an owner when the owner information was in the shelter’s own database or registered with a microchip registry. The high rate of return of microchipped animals supports microchipping as a valuable permanent pet identification method. The results also emphasized the importance of the registration process in successfully reuniting pets and owners. The study demonstrated the importance of scanning animals more than one time and the need for proper technique. It was suggested veterinary clinic staff should scan microchipped animals during each wellness examination to ensure the microchip is still functional and has not migrated. Additionally, the study indicated the importance of personnel at animal shelters to scan owner-relinquished animals and verify ownership via a microchip registry. The person relinquishing the animal may not be the rightful owner. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lord LK, Pennell ML, Ingwersen W, Fisher RA. Sensitivity of commercial
scanners to microchips of various frequencies implanted in dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Dec 1;233(11):1729-35.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lord LK, Wittum TE, Ferketich AK, Funk JA, Rajala-Schultz PJ. Search methods that people use to find owners of lost pets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Jun 15;230(12):1835-40.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Lord LK, Ingwersen W, Gray JL, Wintz DJ. Characterization of animals with microchips entering animal shelters. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jul 15;235(2):160-7.

This study characterized 7,704 microchipped animals entering 53 animal shelters between August 2007 and March 2008. Of this number, strays made up slightly more than half (53%), with the remainder designated as owner-relinquished animals (41.9%) and other (5.1%). The results showed that animal shelters were able to find the owners of three-fourths of stray dogs and cats with microchips. The ability to find owners was higher in dogs, animals that were purebred, and animals that were spayed or neutered. Animal shelters had a much higher likelihood of finding an owner when the owner information was in the shelter’s own database or registered with a microchip registry. The high rate of return of microchipped animals supports microchipping as a valuable permanent pet identification method. The results also emphasized the importance of the registration process in successfully reuniting pets and owners. The study demonstrated the importance of scanning animals more than one time and the need for proper technique. It was suggested veterinary clinic staff should scan microchipped animals during each wellness examination to ensure the microchip is still functional and has not migrated. Additionally, the study indicated the importance of personnel at animal shelters to scan owner-relinquished animals and verify ownership via a microchip registry. The person relinquishing the animal may not be the rightful owner. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lord LK, Pennell ML, Ingwersen W, Fisher RA. Sensitivity of commercial
scanners to microchips of various frequencies implanted in dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Dec 1;233(11):1729-35.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lord LK, Wittum TE, Ferketich AK, Funk JA, Rajala-Schultz PJ. Search methods that people use to find owners of lost pets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Jun 15;230(12):1835-40.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Predictors of Feline Kidney Disease

Jepson, R. E., D. Brodbelt, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of predictors of the development of azotemia in cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(4): 806-13.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often afflicts geriatric cats, with prevalence rates of 15% reported. The important factors for development of CKD that could be monitored in cats are not known, and were investigated by these researchers. They followed healthy geriatric cats for 12 months (exams every six months), measuring various clinical parameters and correlated these with development of kidney disease. The study evaluated 118 client-owned cats with an average age of 13 years. All were neutered. Physical exams, blood pressure measurement, and blood and urine analyses were done on all cats. Thirty percent of the cats enrolled developed evidence of kidney disease (azotemia) during the study. Of the parameters measured, only two – increased levels of creatinine (including high normal levels) in the blood and detectable protein in the urine – correlated with development of kidney disease (as evidenced by azotemia). The authors concluded that measurement of protein in the urine is an inexpensive and easy way to monitor aging cats for development of CKD. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA, Strehlau G; BENRIC (benazepril in renal
insufficiency in cats) Study Group. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):906-16.
>> PubMed Abstract

Boyd LM, Langston C, Thompson K, Zivin K, Imanishi M. Survival in cats with
naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (2000-2002). J Vet Intern Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;22(5):1111-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Jepson, R. E., D. Brodbelt, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of predictors of the development of azotemia in cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(4): 806-13.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often afflicts geriatric cats, with prevalence rates of 15% reported. The important factors for development of CKD that could be monitored in cats are not known, and were investigated by these researchers. They followed healthy geriatric cats for 12 months (exams every six months), measuring various clinical parameters and correlated these with development of kidney disease. The study evaluated 118 client-owned cats with an average age of 13 years. All were neutered. Physical exams, blood pressure measurement, and blood and urine analyses were done on all cats. Thirty percent of the cats enrolled developed evidence of kidney disease (azotemia) during the study. Of the parameters measured, only two – increased levels of creatinine (including high normal levels) in the blood and detectable protein in the urine – correlated with development of kidney disease (as evidenced by azotemia). The authors concluded that measurement of protein in the urine is an inexpensive and easy way to monitor aging cats for development of CKD. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA, Strehlau G; BENRIC (benazepril in renal
insufficiency in cats) Study Group. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):906-16.
>> PubMed Abstract

Boyd LM, Langston C, Thompson K, Zivin K, Imanishi M. Survival in cats with
naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (2000-2002). J Vet Intern Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;22(5):1111-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Read More