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Gila Monsters and Microchipping

Susan

Go Ahead, Make My Day!
The veterinarian I work for does NOT do exotics unless it is for a friend or relative, and he usually asks me for advice. He has a new friend that has a permit for and keeps a great many hots, including 10 gila monsters. He has been microchipping all of the herps in his collection but is having trouble with the gila monsters...it seems that even the large gauge needle for the microchip is unable to penetrate the skin of a gila monster. He has asked for our help and I'm passing this request on to anyone here that may have some advice. We're assuming this person has only tried to insert the chip someplace along the dorsal surface and are wondering if along the sides or even the belly might be a better option. Also, the owner has said that he will hold the gila monsters while we do this procedure, but what other sort of precautions would you recommend the vet and I (if I even decide to help with this as working with hots is not my idea of fun) take to minimize or totally eliminate any risk.

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
I know they HAVE been microchipped for scientific research and surveys before, so it is possible.. I just do not know how they did it.. Maybe you can do a search on the internet... maybe contact the people who have done the microchipping and see what their suggestions are... I would be into doing this if afforded the opportunity out here.. :) Good luck :)
 
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