MPs debate petitions relating to microchipping

The debate was led by Petitions Committee member Jonathan Gullis MP. MPs from all parties could take part, and Victoria Prentis, Minister for Farming, Fisheries and Food, reponded on behalf of the Government.

Fern’s Law: Compulsory to scan & check microchips to reunite stolen dogs, cats

The petition, which received more than 112,000 signatures, states: “Many missing microchipped pets are never reunited as it’s optional to scan & check microchip registration. It’s time veterinary professionals, authorities and rescues checked pet & keeper match on the original database at a pets 1st consultation or yearly checkup. It’s their only chance to get home.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “BVA and RCVS provide necessary guidance to scan dogs. We will consider reform options including whether this should be mandatory as part of Post Implementation Review of the microchipping regulations.”

Vets to scan prior to euthanasia for Rescue Back up and confirm keeper details

The petition, which received more than 121,000 signatures, states: “A healthy young dog with RBU was euthanised. The person who requested euthanasia was not the registered keeper. Vets must be legally required to scan for rescue back up contact details on microchips and confirm the person presenting the animal is registered on the microchip. Rescue Back Up must be contacted and honoured.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “The Government understands the distress that the death of a pet can cause and is considering scanning requirements, as part of the Post Implementation Review of the microchipping regulations.”

Correspondence with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Last year, the Committee wrote to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice MP to ask for an update on the Government’s plans to update legislation relating to the microchipping of pets.

Spinal Stroke Journey

Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) is also known as a ‘spinal stroke’ in dogs, there is a blockage in the blood vessel supplying the spinal cord and the flow of blood is prevented or reduced to that part of the spinal cord.

FCE can come on suddenly and the physical signs can include paralysis in the back legs being unable to stand and walk properly-dragging the back legs, weakness and being wobbly on the legs. Swift veterinary attention is needed and a physical examination is carried out. One of our dogs had a sudden collapse in the garden one morning and we were refereed by our vets to a specialist centre and hospital; we left our veterinary clinic and drove to the hospital on the same day.

We walked Troops into the reception with a sling around his abdomen, he was alert and calm but unable to stand on his rear legs, haematology, biochemistry, physical and neurological examinations followed and we stayed with him for the initial investigations until he was hospitalised later that day.

IV Fluid therapy, a catheter, anaesthesia and a MRI scan followed, he was under the care of a lovely group of veterinarians and nurses, before being diagnosed by a specialist in veterinary neurology; based on the imaging-FCE. Troops stayed hospitalised for several days and received daily multiple sessions of physiotherapy and making some improvement becoming paraparetic but not ambulatory.

Meanwhile at home, we were able to organise a new safe and comfy area, we cut down the legs on a single sized child bed and inserted a memory foam mattress on top, this was ideal, covered with a waterproof protector, incontinence pads, extra large strong sling to support the back end when  standing and walking and a padded harness to support the body – with a carry handle on top, there are a number of options on the market and you really need to do your research to find the best one for your dog, paying attention to size, comfort, and strength.

Eventually he came home and we followed on with daily physiotherapy sessions, prescription medications, lots of well researched dietary support and supplements, extra mental stimulation (stuffed kongs, safe dental chews, hiding food games, scent stimulation) as there was now less physical activity each day and then we introduced some hydro-therapy sessions in the mornings each week. Eventually we went on to construct our own dog-friendly pool in the garden for summer time use by all the dogs, some fun on a hot day as well as exercise and physical therapy.

There was a urinary incontinence and we found absorbent bed pads which absorb the urine and remain dry on top, these need to be positioned well especially at night, and warm soothing washes are ideal, we had some gentle skin cleansing foam wash which was handy for times when out and about, we kept to a regular daily routine-out first thing in the morning into the garden on the sling, last trip at night etc and Troops began to regain bladder control which was a great step forward, he couldn’t cock his leg, although he did try a few times, so he dipped down a little and had a pee, re-establishing a routine and becoming stronger over several months.

Favourite times were trips out in the car, to explore new places and take in all the smells, especially a trip to the beach-always on the look-out for car parking within reach of the sand and safe dog friendly places to stop on route.

Slowly walking along short distances with the carry sling and one person behind to carry the weight and one in front in case we had off leash dogs running head into us. 

We couldn’t get that far, Troops was very strong on his front end, but also a very big dog so there was a lot of weight to hold on the sling, it was difficult, also his back paws could drag on the ground and this was an issue, we tried several different types of boots and that helped – a pavement will graze the paws very quickly so you have to prevent this, we then researched online and measured up to order a set of ‘dog wheels’: In our situation these took some sessions to adjust to, large dog v need to run and turn corners on a penny!