Microchips

Let’s talk about microchips. The general belief is that they are a benign way to permanently identify an animal. They are required in animal registries, cities, rescues, etc. and most folks have no idea there is another story lurking beneath the surface.

A few years ago, one of the major chip brands was sued with the allegation their chips cause cancer. It was shushed and the outcome will never be known, but we can look elsewhere to find supporting data. Those chips are still on the market. There is absolutely no question the company is aware of what happens to animals who receive these chips.

We all choose the path that’s right for us and you’ll get no judgment from me, but my sense of the issue is that people are generally unaware this is even a possibility and I want to raise awareness.

From the linked study:
“In at least six studies published in toxicology and pathology journals between 1996 and 2006, researchers found a causal link between implanted microchip transponders and cancer in laboratory mice and rats. The tumors were typically sarcomas, including fibrosarcomas. Other cancers found included rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, mammary gland adenocarcinoma, malignant schwannoma, anaplastic sarcoma, and histiocytic sarcoma.

In almost all cases, the tumors arose at the site of the implants and grew to surround and fully encase the devices. In several cases the tumors also metastasized or spread to other parts of the animals, including the lungs, liver, stomach, pancreas, thymus, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, and musculature of the foreleg.”