MICROCHIPPING FOR PET DOGS

Few months ago, I came across the story of a dog named 'Alaska' reuniting with his owner after being lost for six years at Tucson, Arizona. I was so surprised to know that microchips helped several such pet parents to be reunited with their lost pets. When I started reading more about microchips, I strongly felt that there is a need to make more pet owners aware of this existing technology.   

The dog is man's best friend - one that may have an urge to wander, explore and runs the risk of getting lost. Unfortunately, it is not too uncommon for dogs to lose their way back home and end up in shelters. A staggering number of dogs are lost in shelters each year because there is a lack of reliable means for identification once they are found. If your pet is lost, you are far more likely to be reunited if they are microchipped. 

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice. Once the microchip is implanted under the skin, it will remain for entirety of your dog's lifetime. The chip contains a unique 15-digit number for identification, similar to aadhaar number for individuals. When scanned, the chip transmits its identification number using passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology on to the scanner, which displays the number on a screen.

The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has approved and recommended a global standard for microchips that ensures a consistent identification system worldwide. The ISO standard frequency is 134.2 kHz. Also, contrary to popular belief, the microchip is not a GPS device and cannot track your animal if it gets lost. The chip is RFID which enables it to be read by a microchip scanner, but only once your pet has been found.

Procedure

It is a 2 step process wherein chip is implanted and then the unique identification number is registered along with all the relevant details about the owner and the pet. Microchip comes pre-loaded in a sterile inject applicator. The chip is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) between the shoulder blades using a hypodermic needle at the back of your pet's neck by a registered veterinarian.  It is no more painful than a typical injection, although the needle is slightly larger than those used for injections. No surgery or anesthesia is required and the microchip can be implanted during any regular vet check-ups. Make sure to read the chip right after injection using a microchip scanner. Also, ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip at least once every year to make sure it is still detected. Having a microchip placed is only the first step, and the microchip must be registered in a central database and keep your registration information up-to-date. 

Why microchip your pets?

1. Unique Identity.  The microchip acts as the unique identification of your pet. The chip stores only a 15-digit unique number. This number is mentioned on all the records for the pet. Most pets wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their owner, but only a microchip provides permanent ID that cannot fall off or be removed.

2. Find lost pets. If your pet is lost, you are far more likely to be reunited with they are microchipped as they can be scanned at nearest vets and the owner details can be obtained from the database. A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters showed that dos without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time.

3. Travel. Microchipping is mandatory for international travel and recommended for travel within India. All pet documents must have microchip number.  

4. Pet insurance. Microchip is mandatory for buying pet insurance. 

5. Pet Registration. Every dog registered with KCI (Kennel Club of India) must compulsorily be microchipped.

As per The Prevention Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 and The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018, no puppy can be sold by a breeder without a microchip. Also, microchipping can be one of the most effective ways to solve the cases of theft, abandonment and illegal pet trafficking.  

Conclusion 

A microchip is non-bio reactive and hence, biologically safe for the pet. It is a one-time investment with several benefits. The concept of microchipping for pet safety is not new, but pet owners in India are slowly becoming aware of it and the microchipping of pet dogs will be made compulsory in the days to come. Microchipping is also recommended in pet cats.

References 

1. https://petchipindia.org/

2. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq

3. Lord, Linda K., et al. "Characterization of animals with microchips entering animal shelters". Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 235.2 (2009): 160-167.  

4. https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/missing-dog-reunited-with-owner-after-six-years

5. The Prevention Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017

6. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018

 SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC INTESTINAL EVISCERATION DUE TO INDIAN BISON (GAUR) ATTACK IN A DOBERMAN

    It was Dr. Shruti Gogia's last day at WVS India, Ooty and we were having dinner at the lecture hall on 16th April, 2022. At around 9:30 pm, a 9 month old, female, Doberman named  Puppy was presented with a history of devastating trauma caused by Indian bison (gaur). Evisceration of intestines was apparent (Fig 1). Many of these patients cannot be saved due to massive devitalisation of the bowel, infection and secondary injuries, some of the cases can be treated with aggressive medical and surgical management. We left the dinner plates on the table to attend this emergency.

    The treatment plan included – 1. Emergency triage and stabilization of the patient 2. Wound decontamination 3. Surgical correction and 4. Post-operative management. An IV catheter was placed and the patient was stabilized with IV fluids, antibiotics (Amox-Clav and Metronidazole) and Pain medication (Buprenorphine and Ketamine). Intestinal loops were assessed for viability and perforation. Intestinal loops were bright red in colour, and there was presence of intestinal peristalsis. Arterial pulsations in the mesenteric arteries were noticed. Warm saline lavage was done to remove the dirt and the intestines were covered with wet pads. There were no abnormalities in the blood report and radiographs.

    The dog was stable and the vital parameters were within normal range. The dog was placed in the lateral recumbency and the skin around the eviscerated loop was prepared aseptically with chlorhexidine solution. Puppy was induced with Diazepam and Propofol, and the endotracheal intubation was performed. General anaesthesia was maintained using Isoflurane gas anesthesia by Dr. Mukesh. A Lignocaine + Ketamine CRI was also used during the surgery. The intestinal loops were reduced into the abdominal cavity. The muscle layer were closed using 1-0 polydioxanone (PDS) in a simple continuous manner (Fig 2). The subcutaneous layer was closed in a continuous manner. The skin was opposed by cruciate suture pattern with 2-0 Polyamide (Nylon). 

    Following the surgery, Puppy was put on a course of antibiotics (Amox-Clav and Metronidazole) and pain killers (Meloxicam and Buprenorphine). An Elizabethan collar was used to prevent Puppy from biting or licking her surgical site. Strict rest and short leash walks were recommended for 2 weeks. Puppy made an uneventful recovery and the skin sutures were removed after 10 days. 

    Bison, boar and leopard attack cases are not so uncommon in Nilgiris. The pet owners need to carefully supervise their dogs when left outside to prevent such incidence. Dr. Shruti's last day at work was nothing less of an adventure. We were all extremely happy that puppy survived that night and made a recovery without complications. It was one last time the trio consisting of Dr. Shruti, Dr. Mukesh and myself were involved in a Friday night emergency!

References

 

1. Gower, Sara B., Chick W. Weisse, and Dorothy C. Brown. "Major abdominal evisceration injuries in dogs and cats: 12 cases (1998-2008)."Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association 234.12(2009): 1566-1572.

2. Slatter, Douglas H., ed. Textbook of small animal surgery. Vol. 1 & 2. Elsevier health sciences, 2003.

3. Stanley, Bryden J. "Complications of Intestinal Surgery WSAVA/FECAVA/BSAVA World Congress 2012."

                 

SUNDEWS (DROSERA) - INSECTIVOROUS PLANT IN WAYANAD, KERALA

 

• Drosera sp. commonly known as Sundews, belongs to the family Droseraceae and it is one of the largest genera of insectivorous plants.
• Drosera inhabits wet-shallow, nutrient poor soils, in swamps and marshes.
• The plant bears long tentacles on its leaves. The tentacles on the leaves secrete a sticky fluid that shines in the sun like Dew-drops, therefore Drosera are commonly known as Sundews. Upon touching these, the insect becomes entrapped and succumbed to death. The plant meanwhile secretes digestive enzymes that dissolve the insect and absorb the nutrients.
• Sundews are found throughout South-East Asia. In India they are mainly found in Kerala, Maharastra and Karnataka.
• The plants are about 2-4 cms in diameter, Tiny flowers arise on a leafless scape, 5-20 cm long.
• Flowers are light pink in colour and the flowering is seen from September to December.

Photos :- 
Dr. Sumanth Bedre M.

References :-

http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Burmann%27s%20Sundew.html

http://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/229294

https://www.pmfias.com/insectivorous-plants-india/