Preliminary report of spinal cord injuries resulting from inappropriate microchip implantation in two puppies

Abstract

Since the revised Animal Welfare and Management Law in Japan became effective on June 1 st , 2022, it became mandatory for pet dogs and cats to have microchips implanted and registered prior to be sold. Two cases of spinal cord injury as result of inappropriate microchip implantation in puppies were referred to our facility, of which were diagnosed by cervical spinal radiography and computed tomography (CT). While adverse reactions following microchip implantation are rare, the possibility of iatrogenic spinal cord injury remains a serious complication. This is the first report of adverse reactions following microchip implantation in Japan, and it alerts the possibility of iatrogenic spinal cord injury secondary to inappropriate microchip implantation, where adequate training and extra caution is crucial especially in small light-weight animals.

Pulmonary arterial embolism due to aberrant migration of a microchip in two dogs

“…Biocompatible material aims at reducing the local immune response to a fibrotic capsule 2 . Abnormal placement of the microchip can result in focal trauma, most commonly involving the spinal canal when implanted in the interscapular region 3–6 . These iatrogenic lesions are more likely to occur in unsedated, agitated dogs or cats.…”

“…2 Abnormal placement of the microchip can result in focal trauma, most commonly involving the spinal canal when implanted in the interscapular region. [3][4][5][6] These iatrogenic lesions are more likely to occur in unsedated, agitated dogs or cats. There has been one case report of progressive cervical vertebral lysis due to the microchip 3 years after implantation, which led to clinical neurological signs requiring surgical removal.…”