Many veterinarians recommend them, and most animal shelters require them. Identification microchips injected into the necks of cats and dogs are touted as useful in recovering lost pets because the devices store owner and medical information. But are they safe? A new lawsuit against Merck & Co., Inc., maker of the HomeAgain pet microchip, says they are not, noting that they can cause cancer to develop in pets.

Featured at www.ChipMeNot.org, a website launched to raise awareness about the harm caused to animals by microchips, the lawsuit alleges that Merck’s HomeAgain pet microchip induces cancerous tumors in pets. According to the suit, the defendant’s cat developed cancerafter getting a chip implant, and according to reports, other animals have gotten cancer after getting chipped as well.

“Based on the alarming number of microchip-induced cancers we’re discovering, I predict this lawsuit will be just the tip of the iceberg,” said Dr. Katherine Albrecht, a consumer advocate and expert on side effects associated with implantable microchips. “Merck and organizations that advocate pet chipping should take this lawsuit seriously and start warning pet owners of the risk of microchip-induced cancer.”

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, potential health risks associated with implantable microchips include “adverse tissue reaction”. Based on data from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, this can include “swelling”, “infection”, “abscesses”, and “tumors”.

Albrecht presented a paper on the subject called “Microchip-Induced Tumors in Laboratory Rodents and Dogs: A Review of the Literature 1990-2006″ (http://www.chipmenot.org/pdfs/P074.pdf) at the June conference of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers that documents the increasing number of animals being harmed by microchips. Currently, there is no repository of data on adverse events associated with microchips in the U.S., but Albrecht organization, CASPIAN, is filling that void by compiling such information and making it available to the public.

To learn more about the dangers of animal microchips, visit: www.ChipMeNot.org

Sources for this story include:

http://www.chipmenot.org/mercksued.htm

by Luella May, NaturalNews

Canine peripheral vestibular syndrome (PVS) is a condition that few people are aware of and the frightening symptoms often lead dog owners to believe that their pet has been poisoned or is having a stroke. Special attention to the affected dog’s needs and “tender loving care” offer the best chances of a full recovery or minimal lasting effects.

PVS usually gives no warning and strikes out of the blue. In just an instant, a perfectly healthy dog can become extremely ill. The symptoms usually include the following:

1.Staggering and falling.
2.Vomiting – May appear yellow and frothy.
3.Eyes moving rapidly from side-to-side.
4.Head tilts to one side.
5.Refuses food and water.

PVS is not a malfunction of the brain – it is caused by inflammation in the inner ear. The nerves of the inner ear that connect to the cerebellum become inflamed, causing loss of balance, disorientation and other distressingsymptoms. It is important to note that not all dogs experience the same severity in symptoms. It is thought that the milder the symptoms, the quicker the recovery. Relapses are not common, but possible. Although there is no known cause, it is sometimes the result of infection. The dog usually refuses food, drink, and exercise, opting for the safety of his own bed.

Someone who has experienced a severe bout of vertigo can understand the trauma that the pet undergoes. During this time, special attention and “Tender Loving Care” is required. Hand feeding, including water may be necessary. Even then, some dogs refuse food and water for as long as a week. Not only does the dog feel nauseous due to the feeling of motion sickness, but it also experiences difficulty using the motor movements necessary when eating and drinking from bowls. It is important to keep an eye out for dehydration. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary.

During the recovery period, the dog should be kept in a well lit room in order to prevent disorientation. If at all possible, it should not be carried. It will also need support and assistance once it is ready to get back on its feet to make sure that it doesn’t fall while getting up and walking. Looping a towel around its body will help guide it as it walks.

As hopeless as it may seem, the majority of dogs make a quick recovery from within three days to three weeks. Those that do not fully recover, adapt to the head tilt and unsteadiness, enjoying a normal life span.

Although this condition is more common in older dogs, middle aged dogs can also be affected. Dogs of a more advanced age don’t always rebound as quickly as their middle-aged counterparts. They may not be as active as they were before the illness, and they may have experienced sight and hearing decline.

There is no medical treatment for this condition. Should the peripheral vestibular syndrome be due to an inner ear infection, colloidal silver in the ear and in the drinking water may facilitate recovery. Colloidal silver is safer and more effective than antibiotics, and certain types of antibiotics actually cause PVS. Many people report that when they give their older dogs colloidal silver, they seem to regain the energy of younger years. This may provide an extra boost to prevent age-related decline.

It is important to note that other more serious conditions can cause the symptoms described above. If the symptoms last longer than three weeks, it most likely is not PVS and it would be best to seek the advice of a veterinarian, ideally, a holistic vet.

Sources included:

http://www.gsdhelp.info/neuro/vesti…
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/bod…
http://www.bichonhealth.org/HealthI…

About the author

Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, “The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls” which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors of books and articles about natural health including “Cancer’s Natural Enemy” and “Collected Remedies” Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone “Ask Tony Isaacs” forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group “Oleander Soup” and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets “

Moving can be a stressful time not only for people but also for their pets. Moving can be traumatic for pets so it is necessary to take steps to ensure your pet’s safety during the move and ease the anxiety.

How to Calm a Pet During a Move

Read more: How to Calm a Pet During a Move | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2308291_calm-pet-during-move.html?utm_source=eHOD&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2308291&utm_campaign=05_03_2010#ixzz0xjUDSO4Q