News came out today that there is a correlation between microchips and cancer in animals. My two greys died of cancer. One of a brain tumor and one of bone cancer. They both had chips. Hmmm. I wonder how many others out there have had greys that had cancer and chip implants?

my digger died from cancer but had no chip

Ok.. this is going to sound critical, but I am a little cautious when someone just throws out a statment like that. Especially considering how important it is to have your Pet chipped. I would hate to have people unnecessarily frightened away from chipping (Micro that is!). I would love to see a source so I can research it further. In fact I am off to google and see what I find.

Remember, correlation does not necessarily mean causation. Here is a explanation:
Correlation

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It is important to keep in mind that correlation does not necessarily mean causation. For example, there is a high positive relationship between the number of fire fighters sent to a fire and the amount of damage done. Does this mean that the fire fighters cause the damage? Or is it more likely that the bigger the fire, the more fire fighters are sent and the more damage that is done. In this example, the variable "size of the fire" is the causal variable, correlating with both the number of fire fighters sent and the amount of damage done.

I am pretty sure microchips have absolutely nothing to do with bone cancer.
My greys and afghan have been microchipped for over 10 years, and no cancer other than osteo sarcoma.
My dachshund was not microchipped and had a tumor in her mouth and died of old age at 18.

There are some interesting findings, but there is a WHOLE lot of debate about how the studies were done....some instances there were no control groups so you don't know what percentage have naturally occuring cancers, etc.

Still...with the vast number of pets that are chipped, I have a hard time believing we would not have heard about this sooner, and directly related to dogs and cats, rather than lab rats.

I think I'd have to see an awful lot of extensive research before I'd buy into microchips being linked to cancer. All of My hounds are chipped and I'm not the least bit concerned about it.

Gary

Thanks Cynthia for that link.
I had 2 greys chipped and 2 greys not chipped. The 2 greys that were chipped died of cancer. But, I did not mean to say that the chips caused it. I am sorry if I lead anyone to that conclusion. I am curious however to see if there is any correlation between chips and cancer. I agree that correlation does not mean causation. I think the rationale behind microchipping our pets is logical and a good idea. Until there are more studies out I think I will hold off on chipping our 2 greys. I would like to see just how much radiation (in measured amounts) are emitted from the chips themselves. Gee, even our watches emit radiation...
Anyway, I think I will stay in a holding pattern until I decide, but that is my personal decision and I am in no way advising others to not chip their pets. Hope that clears things up

Interesting how some folks are concerned about microchips but I don't hear any concern about cell phones. Guess that convenience doesn't count Huh ?

Gary

You are so right !
I remember when law enforcement wore radios on their belts, then there was a high incidence of infertility then they moved them up to the shoulders, whatever ...

Since shortly after microchips were made availale, all of my dogs have been chipped. None have developed cancer. With so many animals being chipped, many breeds having already shown a tendency to develop certain cancers, how do you say conclusively that the chips are causing cancer? Perhaps these animals would have developed cancer without a chip... Also, with improved technology and diagnosic tools, many dogs are being diagnosed, when in the past, they would have died or been euthanized for a "mystery" illness. Especially with my greyhounds, the risk for them getting lost is much higher than the risk of cancer.

I strongly believe in Mircro chiping and do strongly believe that what you feed you dog is important. Only really good, high quality foods.
Nothing with fillers, corn, animal byproducts.

I agree, very good quality food is important which is why I use Canidae.
Hope to see Ti and Ellie at playgroup again real soon.

Gary