Mirco Chips relocate--PLEASE READ

[Jane Smith]

Food for thought:   Several months ago we found a little chihuahua.  I took it to the vet to see if he was chipped, and they scanned along his neck and part of his back and said he wasn't chipped.  While I had my two girls at the vet last week, I asked them if they would please scan them, as I had never had it done and wanted to make sure.  The vet ran that scanner around the area where it was implanted and got no read.  She asked if I was sure they were chipped and I told her yes.  So she continued to run it all over their body, not just scanning the neck where it was originally put. and found that the chips had moved and were found on both of my girls lower shoulder (almost to their armpit).  What scares me is, if people aren't aware that the chips move, are there dogs out there that ARE chipped, but they just weren't found doing a general scan?  It worries me that if my girls got out without their collars, would another vet think to scan their entire body?  People need to be aware that they move around and to not just scan the neck area.

[Allen and Pamela Kerstetter]

When we had Duke done , they told us it would relocate and next time we went to vet they searched for it.  It too had moved to one side.  So I do believe it is a guessing game and dont give up finding it quickly.

[Christine & Camus]

I think vets and other agencies need to do a more thorough scan.  Next time I take Camus to the Vet I think I'll discuss the roaming chips syndrome.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Calla chip is near her shoulder too. The shelters and vets should be aware of this. It is also important to have the chips checked annually to see that they are still transmitting.

[Lynette Main]

GOOD TO KNOW. I AM GOING TO THE VET ON  MONDAY FOR HEARTWORM MEDS. AND I WILL BE SURE TO PASS ON THIS INFORMATION TO THEM. I WILL ALSO LET OUR DOG WARDEN KNOW .TO SCAN ALL OVER..THANKS

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

The same thing happened to Cooper. The breeder had him microchipped when he was 5 weeks old. When he was about 5 months old, I felt a small lump near his armpit that felt like a large grain of rice.. I took him to the vet and told him that I wondered if it was his microchip. The vet scanned him and sure enough, it was his microchip. Our vet said it is uncommon but sometimes happens when animals are microchipped at a very young age. Anyhow, he said it was best not to leave it there since we didn't know where it would eventually end up as well as if Cooper were ever to be lost, most people wouldn't think to scan his entire body looking for it. We had it removed and a new one put in the proper place when we had him neutered at 6 months old.

[Jane Smith]

I had my girls chipped with they were spayed at 6 months.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

This is a huge concern! We just had ours checked at a dog expo in the fall. They were scanning dogs and giving you a card with the number on it for safe keeping. They also had relocated a little bit, not all the way to the shoulder but moved to one side or the other. ALWAYS use tags in addition to micro chipping. You never know if the people who find your dog are aware of this issue.  Thanks for sharing Jane!

[Chris & Boys]

I have noticed on Fozzy that his chip is near his shoulder blade.  I would think this is common since most dogs are chipped when they are a  couple of weeks old.  I am surprised vets wouldn't be aware of this...?

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

I did not know this.  Thank you for posting.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Thanks for posting this..I will have the chip checked next time we go to the vet!

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Great tip

[Adrienne]

Thanks for posting this.  I will have Dougie scanned at his next appointment.