Microchipping
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping provides a permanent, inexpensive form of identification that cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed. The process is quick and painless and can help ensure a happy reunion.
A microchip containing a unique identifciation number is enclosed within a tiny glass transponder no bigger than a grain of rice. This transponder is inserted by a needle into the scruff of the dog's neck. Once inserted the transponder can be read by a scanner. All the details assigned to the identification number are recorded on the Petlog database.
Microchipping should only be performed by a person who has been trained to do so. Lararth puppies are microchipped by Sharon Bowen who has received full training in conjunction with a recognised veterinary association and tutor from The Pet Chip Company and holds a valid "pet-detect®" Certificate of Competency.
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What is a Microchip?
A microchip is the tiny computer chip that contains the unique ID number assigned to the transponder. The microchip measures approximately 1mm sq. Each unique ID number is encoded onto the microchip during the manufacturing process by a laser that etches a code onto the surface of the microchip prior to the transponder assembly. The microchip is attached to an integrated circuit that uses a coil of copper wire would around an iron (ferrite) core. This functions as a tiny antenna to pick up the energy from the scanner, and to send the encoded ID number from the microchip back to the scanner. Between the copper coil and the microchip is a capacitor used for tuning.
Lararth puppies are microchipped using the the AEG pet-detect® system. The ID-162 microchip is assembled using Trovan-proprietary, patented manufacturing technology. The Trovan product is manufactured in a fully automated manufacturing process (i.e. nothing is touched by human hands at any stage of the manufacturing process). Other technologies require semi-manual assembly of transponders, in certain competing brands, the transponder is placed inside the needle by hand before packaging and sterilisation! The Trovan/AEG patented direct-bonding method uses gold bumps, NOT lead solder. The "pet-detect®" transponder has no lead soldering jonits. Lead is a toxic substance.
All ISO microchips conform to the ISO Standard 11785. ISO microchips use the protocol set out in Standard 11785 and is the preferred microchip protocol for the UK and many other European countries.
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What are Transponders and how do they work?
A transponder is simply the tiny electronic device encapsulated in biocompatible glass used to store an identification number. The size of the "pet-detect®" transponder is 2.12mm x 11.5mm and is often compared in size to an uncooked grain of rice.
Most people are familiar with laser scanning of bar codes on groceries and household goods go identify them at the cash till. There are two principal differences between electronic identification (EID) and bar code technology. Electronic identification uses a common low-power signal to read an ID number stored in a tiny electronic circuit, the microchip. Bar codes use laser light to read the label. Electronic identification is also referred to as "radio frequency identification" or RFID. Low frequency radio waves, unlike laser light, can penetrate all solid objects except those made of metal. Therefore, use of electronic identification allows the tiny device carrying the number to be injected into an animal where it resides permanently. The transponder is made of inert material so it won't be rejected by your dog's body. Once implanted, transponders cannot be lost or altered, or become worn like an external collar tag.
The transponder which is really the outer casing (encapsulation) of the microchip but is often referred to as the microchip itself.
The transponder is packaged within a sterilised needle, the needle cartridge containing the transponder is placed on the implant gun ready for implantation. It's logical that a thin, extremely sharp needle is kinder to the dog. The needles we use at Lararth have a unique 'thin-walled' design. As a result, the outer diameter which is what the animal experiences during implantation, is significantly smaller. It is in fact more like a conventional 13-guage needle than the standard 12-guage needles used by many other brands.
Minimising the outside diameter of the needle is important in animal applications because it decreases the chance of haematoma and is less likely to cause discomfort. Also the needles we use, unlike other brands, have a double bevel, therefore, the needle neatly incises the skin rather than puncturing it. The opening heals more easily and the transponder is less likely to be extruded.
To read the ID number of the transponder you require a scanner. Most scanners generate an excitation signal in the low frequency radio band. The power of the scanner's signal is less than one one-thousandth of a watt (one milli-watt). When the scanner is passed over the implant site the scanner reads the ID number of the transponder as a radio signal, which is then decoded and displayed on the scanner as a 15-digit number.
The "pet-detect®" transponder uses the ISO protocol (FDX-B) and can be read by all scanners.
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Migration?
Migration is the term used when a transponder has moved from the implant site. It is always a possibility that the transponder will migrate from the implant site, research shows that the smaller the transponder the less chance there is of migration. At 11.5mm in length the AEG "pet-detect®" transponder is smaller than AVID, Destron (AnimalCare/Identichip) and Datamars (Bayer and Verbak). The AVID transponder is 14mm and Datamars transponder is 13.3mm long. Independent trials have shown that large transponder size is the principle indicator of migration, breakage and abcess formation. Independent comparative tests involving large and small implantable transponders show that micro-transponders (those measuring 12mm in length or less) are least prone to migration and breakage.
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Advantages of Microchips over other identification systems
Electronic identification offers a number of advantages over conventional tag or tattoo identification. Implanting a micro transponder in a dog causes minimal trauma, unlike tattoos that are painful and more complex to apply. Tattoos can fade with time and are often difficult to read because of skin colouration or hair cover. Unscrupulous dealers can even alter a tattoo and obviously the removal of a nametag is literally child's play.
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Petlog
Petlog, the National Pet Identification Scheme, is run by the UK Kennel Club in association with the RSPCA and the Scottish SPCA and is the largest scheme in the UK. At the time of microchipping the implanter will complete a registration form with the dog and your details to be submitted to Petlog. Once the animal is registered on the Petlog database the owner will receive a Petlog Registration Welcoming Certificate. This will take between 7-14 working days. These details will remain on the database free of charge for the lifetime of your pet.
Petlog has a database of over 2 million animals residing in the UK. Petlog is also working in association with Euronet, which is the European companion animal database. Shared access to databases across Europe means wider coverage for those who travel with their pets.
All rescue kennels, dog wardens etc are trained to scan any lost pet for a microchip. Upon finding your dog's ID number a quick call to Petlog will soon have you and your dog reunited should the unthinkable ever happen.
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