Microchip for Leopard Gecko?

[Toothless]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and don't really have much experience with leopard geckos except for what I've read here and in other sites.

I'm seeking for help or anyone's experience in putting a microchip in leopard geckos. We have a 15 month old leopard gecko (named Toothless) who we love and adore. He is about 10 inches long already.

We are currently living in Japan and will be moving to Singapore in 6 months (because of my work). At first we were saddened by this news since we found out that it is "unlawful" to have a reptile as a pet in Singapore. Anyway, while working with our movers, we were able to get an exception from the Singapore authorities but were told yesterday that they would allow us to bring him only if we put a microchip in him.

We're looking for a vet here in Japan who can speak English and has experience with leopard geckos. We're still searching.

Does anyone have any experience on this? Is this possible? Where would you put the microchip? My son and I are worried about this and were wondering if this would be putting our gecko at risk.

I'd appreciate any feedback or experience on this.

Thanks in advance!

Butch

 

[geckochick89]

I am no expert, but I don't believe you would be able to microchip a leo. Even though chips are about the size of a grain of rice, that is still huge for a small little leo.
I have never heard if it done and I would be wary of getting someone to do it who hasnt done it before.

Maybe someone else has had experience with this.
Good luck

 

[Dimidiata]

I suppose its possible, so long as they can put it somewhere it wont bother the leo, no telling though. Back of the neck(standard) will probably be out of the question, possibly if they have on small enough near the back leg. Honestly though, i just cant see it being done.

 

[katie_]

Ive seen a ferret be microchipped, and they microchip fish.
I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[Dimidiata]

Ferrets are much bigger then leos and fish are easy to microchip as they have a nice spot behind their dorsal, tail and belly. I wouldn't make a comparison between the capability to chip a fish and to chip a leo.

 

[The Gecko Person]

You might be able to tag or mark her somehow.

 

[marauderhex]

Why in the heck would you have to chip an animal that needs to be in an enclosure most of it's life?

 

[Dimidiata]

Because Singapore is over the top on that crap. "it could escape!!!" oh and what? find that other leo that escaped and survived and breed with and take over local populations???
Yeah, aside from the fact that i doubt there would be 2 leos that meet those odds, chance are, the leo wouldn't last long in the outside world.

 

[marauderhex]

I know it's not possible/feasible for the OP, but I refuse to take a job in an area that I can't take my pets or my hobbies (homebrewing/guns).

 

[katie_]

They chip everything, I'm sure it can be done.
Some people are dumb and believe a microchip is a GPS system. You have no idea how many people at the clinic I worked at would come in a say "I lost my dog. Can you tell me where he is? Hes chipped ". .. -_-

 

[JordanAng420]

Here are my thoughts. The animal would definitely need to be under anesthesia for the procedure. I have never heard of it being done on a leopard gecko. I imagine it could be done, though. You really have to do some research as far as vets go, though. I do think it's possible, but probable, i'm not so sure.

 

[Dimidiata]

Here are my thoughts. The animal would definitely need to be under anesthesia for the procedure. I have never heard of it being done on a leopard gecko. I imagine it could be done, though. You really have to do some research as far as vets go, though. I do think it's possible, but probable, i'm not so sure.

I think id have to agree with this the most. Most defiantly find a Qualified reptile vet that knows the anatomy of the animal they are dealing with. Unfortunetly, dyes or markers would probably not work long term because of the leo shedding.

 

[katie_]

Snakes get chipped all the time, would it be a similar area?

 

[Dimidiata]

They get it right under their belly scales normally, in a bit of muscle, you still can chip a snake thats too small. Leos have a very delicate frame, a chip in say the belly would most likley be too big, but at the same time thats the only reasonable place i can think of.

 

[JordanAng420]

I actually looked in Dr. Doug Mader's book "Reptile Medicine and Surgery" but I was unable to find anything. If anyone knows, it's him. I wonder if maybe he has an email address? I'll look around some more when I can.

 

[Toothless]

Thanks for the replies everyone. We'll definitely need to find an experienced vet who understands the anatomy of leopard geckos. The problem is I'm not sure if there's a lot of those here in Japan. Will have a few months to find one.

 

[Toothless]

Why in the heck would you have to chip an animal that needs to be in an enclosure most of it's life?

I know...that's what I was trying to explain. But then again...I'm not the one who makes the rules and in this case, we're somewhat at their mercy.

 

[Dimidiata]

If its the leo in you avatar its worth it!, what a cutie!