Hello,
My parents just adopted a 4 month old kitten from the citizens for humane action, and for the fee ($35) they are spayed/neutered, tested for feline leukemia, have all their current shots, and are microchipped.
the microchip was implanted 1 wk before she was adopted, and they've had her one week, and now between her shoulder blades, there is a scab and it's all bloody, and she's biting and scratching at it. they took her to their vet, and she thinks it's the microchip, and just gave her a shot of antibiotic and some creme to put on it to help it heal. Well, kitty wont leave it on, she licks it right off, and now the scab is starting to seep.
Does anyone know if it's a big deal to have that removed? shes an inside kitty so i don't think she needs it. they cant seem to get her to stop licking the wound..she's tiny (2 1/2 lbs) so i don't think the cone thing would work.
I'm open to suggestions.
thanks
kitten with microchip
Re: kitten with microchip
I'd get a second opinion with a new vet, preferrably feline-only.
The problem is, she would have to be anesthecized for chip-removal, so you would want to get a pre-surgical blood screen done first. The new vet can discuss that with you.
But, I suggest getting the second opinion and determining if the wound has worsened because of the chip itself or due to kitten's constant licking and manipulation. It sounds like it might be a bacterial infection due to the wound having been open for too long and unable to heal. An elizabethan collar is NECESSARY to prevent licking and scratching or the wound will NEVER heal. There are smaller sizes available with the e-collar, and if the vet doesn't have a small size, he can cut it to fit.
Thus, if an e-collar is properly fitted and utilized, combined with proper wound care and antibiotic therapy, there might be no need for surgical removal of the chip. You really don't want your kitten under anesthesia unecessarily.
Now, for another rule out, and very important! Is this wound due to the microhip implantation or, a vaccine given between the shoulder blades???? Vaccines are NOT to be given between the shoulder blades, and unfortunately, some vets still do this. The problem is a vaccine-associated sarcoma (VAS) at the injection site. Usually, with VAS, one sees a lump at the injection site post-vaccination and if the lump does not recede in 30 days, then one MUST rule out the possibility of an injection-site sarcoma or other inflammatory response by any other injection. Find out if the shelter gave a vaccination between the shoulders, and if they did, get your vet to give them a good lecture and proper protocol!
My guess is that the wound was caused by the chip and the wound festered because it wasn't protected, so get that second opinion, immediately, to determine for absolute certainty.
The problem is, she would have to be anesthecized for chip-removal, so you would want to get a pre-surgical blood screen done first. The new vet can discuss that with you.
But, I suggest getting the second opinion and determining if the wound has worsened because of the chip itself or due to kitten's constant licking and manipulation. It sounds like it might be a bacterial infection due to the wound having been open for too long and unable to heal. An elizabethan collar is NECESSARY to prevent licking and scratching or the wound will NEVER heal. There are smaller sizes available with the e-collar, and if the vet doesn't have a small size, he can cut it to fit.
Thus, if an e-collar is properly fitted and utilized, combined with proper wound care and antibiotic therapy, there might be no need for surgical removal of the chip. You really don't want your kitten under anesthesia unecessarily.
Now, for another rule out, and very important! Is this wound due to the microhip implantation or, a vaccine given between the shoulder blades???? Vaccines are NOT to be given between the shoulder blades, and unfortunately, some vets still do this. The problem is a vaccine-associated sarcoma (VAS) at the injection site. Usually, with VAS, one sees a lump at the injection site post-vaccination and if the lump does not recede in 30 days, then one MUST rule out the possibility of an injection-site sarcoma or other inflammatory response by any other injection. Find out if the shelter gave a vaccination between the shoulders, and if they did, get your vet to give them a good lecture and proper protocol!
My guess is that the wound was caused by the chip and the wound festered because it wasn't protected, so get that second opinion, immediately, to determine for absolute certainty.
..........Traci