Identification Flashcards
why is identification important?
reunite lost animals, visible identification discourages cruelty/theft/fraud, decreases the likelihood of abandonment, and it’s an essential component of the legal system to uphold owner responsiblity
tattooing
permanent
mark created by puncturing skin and inserting pigment
provokes immune response which leaves pigment trapped within fibroblasts in skin
disadvantages of tattooing
not easily visible, can be difficult to locate, can fade/become unreadable, can be altered
advantages of tattooing
secure, deters theft, can be detected without special equipment, personal details not on public display, low cost
welfare concerns with tattooing
can be painful (general anesthetic recommended), can lead to infections and possible disease transmission between animals, ink must be non-toxic
tattooing methods
electric tattooing needle, tattoo forceps
microchipping
permanent
radio frequency identification (REID)
signal transmitted from transponder (chip) to reading device (scanner)
implanted under the skin
alphanumerical code
microchipping advantages
permanent unequivocal id for duration of animal’s life, can’t be removed/tapered with, minimal handling needed to identify, won’t alter animal’s appearance/behavior, quick/minimal discomfort, personal info not visible to public
microchipping disadvantages
lack of scanners, registry requires infrastructure with web access and 24 hour staff, can only be detected with the right scanner, no visible id, SQ migration
microchipping welfare concerns
no general/local anesthetic needed, sterile units should be used to decrease risk of infection, restraint and scanning can increase FAS
what is the microchip made of?
it’s a small chip about the size of a grain of rice
incased in biocompatible glass with a memory circuit that is programmed with a unique code (15-digit alphanumerical)
it becomes energized in the presence of the scanner
what packaging do microchips come in?
packed in pre-packed sterile unit (PPS) that contains microchip, needle, sterilization indicator, expiration date, and at least 3 self-adhesive bar codes containing the microchip’s code (one for owner, implanter’s records, and database)
what are characteristics of the microchip scanner?
generates low frequency radio band that is intercepted by the chip to transmit a return signal
scanner decodes the signal and displays the id code
where are microchips implanted?
SQ between shoulder blades and has to be done under vet supervision
what is the procedure for implanting a microchip?
- ensure package isn’t damaged
- scan chip in package to make sure # matches
- clean site
- implant SQ: insert needle fully and depress plunger completely
- remove needle and apply pressure
- scan to ensure implantation
- documents need to be submitted
what is the procedure for scanning a microchip?
- check scanner for full battery
- hold scanner horizontally- moving in a circular or basket weave motion
move side to side and front to back
go slowly - repeat process at least once (2nd person ensures)
ear tipping
permanent
done under anesthesia during alteration surgery
usually left ear
6-8mm of tissue removed
vet only
freeze branding
done using liquid nitrogen (or dry ice or alcohol)
can be painful, causes blistering of skin (not recommended for SAN)
non-permanent methods of identification
collars/tags, ear tags, dyes/paints, radio transmitters
collars/tags
can be issued to owners at time of rabies vaccination, color of tag can be changed each year to provide visible indicator that an animal is up-to-date
dyes/paints
lasts a few weeks to months
simple to apply
color should be bright/contrast with animal’s fur
only use non-toxic paint
