microchip

[Emme]

My vet ran a scan of our pup and they couldn't locate the microchip. Could this be becuase the company hasn't processed our application yet? I would think that the vet would be able to locate the chip, but it just wouldn't have our info "attached" to it yet. Does anyone know how this works?

[austin]

It should have scanned, but only if the proper scanner was used. Not all scanners are designed to read all brands of microchips.

Do you know what brand chip is implanted, and what kind of scanner your vet is using?

[spidey]

austin is right, the chips should scan no matter what, unless the wrong scanner is used on the wrong chip (many of the newer scanners scan all brands of chips). The information is attached to the chip's number, not the chip itself, you scan the chip to get the number, then the number gets plugged into a database (usually over the phone) to find out the info. Chips do not have to be activated, they're like barcodes on items at the supermarket. Also, the vet who implanted it should have scanned it both before and after implantation to ensure that it worked, so this is most likely a case of the wrong scanner being used.

[Emme]

Its a home again chip and I had brought the papers with me for the vet to see. I told her the brand and the vet said that she could check to make sure it was there - I can only assume that she was using the correct scanner.....??? We are headed back there for shots tomarrow, so I'll check with her again making sure the scanner she is using is compatible.

Thanks!

[frontierrots]

Did the vet just scan the back or all over?

When scanning for a chip that you don't know the exact position of the chip companies tell you to scan the entire dog in overlapping patterns.

The diagram for shelters shows scanning the face, head and throat (some vets used by USDA puppy millers chip in the gums. yuck I know) Then scan the back of the neck, throat, chest, armpits. Then shoulders, upper arms, front legs to the feet. Followed by scanning the back, sides, belly, haunches and rear legs

IF the chip is in the dog it will scan unless it has been damaged by being hit by car, etc..

I scanned a stray once with a chip on his rib cage

Most of the new ones now a days don't move if installed properly. Properly being the key word

[Emme]

Good news! We found the chip - it took some time to pick it up - I sure hope that shelters really take the time to go over dogs for chips - I assumed that it would be picked up immediately. It was over his right shoulder....

Thanks to everyone for their prompt response!

[austin]

I sure hope that shelters really take the time to go over dogs for chips

Hopefully you'll never need to find out ;)

[mmgy]

Originally posted by frontierrots
The diagram for shelters shows scanning the face, head and throat (some vets used by USDA puppy millers chip in the gums. yuck I know)

WHAT!?!?!?!?!?! WHY??????????

I've heard of chips migrating to different places....next time I'm at the vet, I'll ask them to check, just so I'll know.

M2