My kitten's microchip site is red, bald, and weeping. Is it normal?

Hi there. It's difficult to see from the photo exactly what this is - but if it looks like a tiny scab on the back of her neck or between her shoulder blades, it could certainly be the small hole where the microchip needle was inserted. As long as there is no swelling or redness and no active bleeding, it should heal up fine on its own and should not be any cause for concern :)

What you are describing almost sounds like an abscess. An abscess is a localized pus-filled pocket of infection and inflammation. I have never seen a reaction or infection caused by a microchip but that does not mean it can't happen. I would recommend having Jasper examined by his veterinarian to determine what is causing the swelling. His vet might have to remove the swelling/mass and have it tested/analyzed to see what exactly it is. This testing would help make sure that it is not cancerous lump. If it is determined to be from the microchip, I would have your vet contact the microchip manufacturer and let them know as that shouldn't happen with microchips. Best of luck to you and Jasper.

It's good that the area has stopped bleeding. I would keep an eye on it for now. I would gently clean the wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and Nick will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

I suppose its possible, depending on the time frame you are referring to when you say "a while back." If it had completely healed and its been over 1-2 weeks since the chip was placed I highly doubt its related to the chip. If she is acting normally and otherwise doing ok, make an appointment at your convenience to go in and and have your vet take a look. You can try to manage it at home first as long as she isn't ill-- shave the hair over the area, clean the skin with soap and water, and just keep it clean and dry. You can try using this product on it as well: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-animal-wound-and-skin-care. However, if its not clearing up within a few days, get her in to see your vet. Thank you for asking PetCoach!

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Poor Beans (cutest name BTW)! If this is where she received her vaccine, she could be having a local reaction to the vaccine. It could also be an infection under the skin or a bacterial or fungal infection on the skin. You could try giving her beandryl twice a day to see if it improves. See link below. If it is getting worse (swelling, more hair loss, any discharge, not eating, etc) or just not improving, I would definitely have your vet take a look at it. She may need some antibiotics or anti-fungals to help her feel better. Plus, if it is a local reaction to the vaccine, your vet will want to make a note in her chart for her next set of shots. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/cat /benadryl

This is likely a small bug bite or an inflammatory reaction to some type of trauma (puncture, scratch, abrasion) to the skin. You can try cleaning it with a small amount of Betadine diluted 50:50with warm water, letting it air dry, and then applying a thin layer of Neosporin to the area twice a day to see if this can start to heal over the next few days.. Also an e-collar purchased from your local pet store can be placed on Simba to prevent her from scratching this area and causing more irritation as well as delaying the healing process. If this doesn't help then its best to see your vet to have this area investigated closely and in person. The vet may also want to shave the hair around it to get a better view and prescribe topical pet friendly antibiotics to help this heal. Best wishes with your kitty Simba and I hope this wound resolves soon. Take care.