Preventative Healthcare: Neutering and Microchipping

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, legal frameworks, standards, and procedures for small animal neutering and microchipping.

Orchidectomy

The surgical removal of the testicles, which ceases the production of gonad hormones.

Vasectomy

The surgical removal of a section of the vas deferens, preventing ejaculation without altering hormone levels or sexual behaviours.

Intra-testicular administration of noxious substances

A male neutering method aimed at causing testicular degeneration, which is currently not deemed acceptable in the UK.

Ovariohysterectomy

The surgical removal of both the uterus and ovaries.

Ovariectomy

The surgical removal of the ovaries only.

Deslorelin (Suprelorin) Implants

Subcutaneous slow-release implants that act on GnRH to block FSH and LH, causing temporary infertility and suppressing testosterone, available in $4.7\,\text{mg}$ ($6$ months duration) and $9.4\,\text{mg}$ ($12$ months duration) doses.

Progestogens

Progesterone-like medications (such as megestrol or proligestone) in tablet or injectable form used to postpone or prevent oestrus in bitches, or reduce hypersexuality-linked behaviours in males.

Microchipping Legislation (Dogs)

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, compulsory microchipping required for all dogs by $8\,\text{weeks}$ of age, with the breeder registered as the first keeper.

Microchipping Legislation (Cats)

Compulsory microchipping for cats from $20\,\text{weeks}$ of age enacted on 10 June 2024, with a $21\,\text{day}$ compliance window before a fine up to $£500$ is issued.

ISO Standards 11784 and 11785

International microchip standards required for pet import and export, specifying operation at $134.2\,\text{kHz}$ and a unique 15-digit numeric code.

Microchip Dimensions

Standard microchips measure $12\,\text{mm}$, while mini microchips designed for smaller breeds measure $8\,\text{mm}$.

Microchip Scanning Procedure

The procedure of scanning an animal slowly from scruff to back, followed by an 'S' pattern across the back, sides, chest, and abdomen if no signal is detected initially.

Chip Migration

An adverse microchip event where the implanted chip moves away from its primary site between the scapulae.

ACVS Mammary Tumour Risk Data

Data stating mammary tumour risk in bitches is $0.5\%$ if spayed prior to first season, $8\%$ between first and second season, and $26\%$ after the second season.

NASAN

The National Audit for Small Animal Neutering conducted by RCVS Knowledge to collect complication and intervention data across UK veterinary practices.

SARSS

The Suspected Adverse Reactions Surveillance Scheme managed by the VMD, used to report microchip failures, site reactions, infections, migration, or insertion injuries.