TERRE HAUTE — The most common type of bone cancer in dogs, cats and humans is osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is more common in the larger breeds of dogs such as Rottweilers, greyhounds, golden retrievers, etc. Eighty-five percent of all major bone tumors in dogs and 70 percent in cats are osteosarcoma. Approximately 5 percent of all primary bone tumors in children are osteosarcoma-related.
A number of studies suggest a possible link between osteosarcoma and the exposure to fluoride. According to the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), they “conclude that fluoridation of public water supplies should stop because of risks that outweigh the possible benefits, especially for infants and young children who consume more water than adults, relative to their size.” The Environmental Working Group has been concerned with healthy ingredients and the safety of pet food. EWG pet food testing has revealed high levels of fluoride in various major brand pet foods. Veterinarians are reporting a rise in cancer rates found in dogs and many are wondering if diet is a contributing factor.
George Glasser, press officer/water quality adviser, National Pure Water Association, reports, “A low-fluoride commercial dog food contains 40-60 parts per million of fluoride. A high-fluoride dog food can contain up to 460 parts per million of fluoride.” A study at the University of Montana indicated the average level of fluoride in leading pet foods to be 11 to 193 ppm, with canned food having the highest amount. The Montana researchers discovered that fluoride accumulates in pets’ bones. 84 to 1,535 milligrams of fluoride was found in the leg bones of dogs. 74 to 1,190 milligrams was found in cat bones, and it increased with age. A number of lower-grade dog foods may contain up to 2,000 ppm of fluoride. The government daily limit said to be safe for children over 3 years of age is 2.5 milligrams. Tolerance levels have been identified for domesticated animals, with the lowest values for dairy cattle at 30 mg/kg feed or 2.5 mg/liter drinking water.
Numerous research has been done on sheep, pigs, goats, cattle and chickens on adverse health effects from fluoride, with little information relating to cats and dogs. “Consequently, it is safe to assume that many of dogs and cats who appear to be suffering with arthritis, dysplasia, spinal deformities, etc., may have actually developed skeletal fluorosis.” Even though a particular breed may be genetically predisposed to such health problems, fluoride in pet food could prematurely trigger the disease.
“The primary source of the fluoride in pet foods is from the added mineral supplements: defluorinated phosphate rock, raw soft phosphate rock, mono and tricalcium phosphate. The less expensive the dog food, probably the higher the fluoride levels because they use raw phosphate.
Raw phosphate, mainly because of its fluoride content (3 to 4 percent), is the most physically damaging animal mineral supplement because it is not processed and is the least-expensive. These facts have been known since the 1920s in early animal nutritional research of fluorine in animal nutrition.
Isiah
Young Isiah and his two brothers, Elijah and Josiah, came into the shelter without a mom. The playful threesome are hoping their potential family is out there just waiting to meet them. Because they are still small, they have been temporarily put into foster care. If you would like to meet Isiah, Elijah or Josiah, call (812) 232-0293. Stop by the Terre Haute Humane Shelter at 1811 Fruitridge Ave. to meet many of our available kittens and puppies (as well as our wonderful cats and dogs)!
Valley Life
PAW PRINTS: Fluoride in pet food: The link to osteosarcoma
- Valley Life
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Turning wrenches: If something’s broken, Joe Preston fixes it
Vintage photos of race cars — of the compact “midget” style — hang on the wall inside Joe Preston’s garage.
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Birthday: May 27, 2012
Shirley Ann Kaperak of Terre Haute will observe her 80th birthday Monday.
An open house is scheduled 2 to 5 p.m. June 24 in the home of her daughter at 6971 E. Rosehill Ave., in Terre Haute.
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Valley Life: May 27, 2012
• Terre Haute Children’s Museum to host volunteer orientation session
• DNR promotes child’s right to play outside
• Vigo County teen finalist in state pageant
• Sap-sucking bugs damaging state tree
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WEDDING: May 27, 2012
• Ummel-McMichael
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Tried ‘N’ True: Try this crock pot stew for busy days
We are getting busy with outside work, cleaning yards and planting our gardens, picking berries and also hunting mushrooms. I can’t go out anymore. But I hope you all have found a bunch. This recipe is an easy one to fix. Get your slow cookers out and have a great meal when you are tired. Everyone will think you are full of energy.
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ENGAGEMENTS: May 27, 2012
• Majors-Seneviratne
• Sheppard-York
• Cawley-Archer
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GRAPE SENSE: The story behind the consistent, easy to appreciate 7 Deadly Zins
The story behind one of the best tasting and most successful value wines has good winemaking, gratitude to terrible sweet wine, and a long family history of fruit production to credit for its success.
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PAW PRINTS: Don’t take a chance with you pet and heat
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has made recommendations for your pet during the summer heat. Don’t take a chance with your dog or cat. They, too, can suffer from overheating, dehydration, and sunburn.
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Bridge Column: May 27, 2012
The Bridge Club is happy to welcome Linda and Richard Easton back from Florida.
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ANNIVERSARIES: May 27, 2012
• Mr. and Mrs. John R. Edwards
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cooper
• Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. McMullen
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The sky’s the limit
Backyard astronomers stare at the night sky, trying to remember how to find the North Star, the Big Dipper and Mars.
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TRIED ’N’ TRUE: Whip up a rhubarb surprise cake
This recipe comes from Ruth Baker. She sent a lot of rhubarb recipes. I have been putting them in the paper for the last three years. I’ve almost used most of them. Some I have used more than others. Mary Hunter also had this recipe. I have made this a lot. Gene really likes this. I use sweetener and yellow or white sugar-free cake mix. The only sugar I put in this recipe is in the marshmallows. Adjust for this. Our grandkids also enjoy this cake. Thanks to Ruth and Mary.
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Resource helps with child care search
Hoosier families now have a digital tool to assess child care facilities for quality, safety and other benchmarks, and can take virtual tours of select facilities. Child Care Online is a free Internet search tool designed so consumers can easily and conveniently compare child care programs and can identify a range of high-quality care choices.
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PAW PRINTS: Heatstroke can harm, kill pets
Spring and summer temperatures in the Midwest often reach into the high 80s and 90s. Some people wouldn’t consider sitting out in the heat until the sun went down.
- GROUPS AND GATHERINGS: May 20, 2012
- ANNIVERSARY: May 20, 2012
- VALLEY DATEBOOK: May 20, 2012
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Ferguson land gift strikes conservation note
Gov. Mitch Daniels recently accepted what is believed to be one of the largest private land conservation gifts in state history — 1,500 acres of the Ferguson farm near Springville in Lawrence County.
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Chi Omega chapters raise $7,600 for Make-A-Wish
The Chi Omega chapters at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana State University raised $7,600 for Make-A-Wish, which will help grant the wish of a 6-year-old girl named Sandy.
- WEDDING: May 20, 2012
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BRIDGE: May 20, 2012
The Terre Haute Bridge Club is fortunate to have a successful Monday Evening Fun Bridge game with at least six tables, and one couple has decided to stretch their game to include other games throughout the week.
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Vermillion Mega Park open for Memorial Day visitors
In observance of Memorial Day, Vermillion Rise Mega Park, with the assistance of the Vermillion County Sherriff’s Department, will accommodate cemetery visits between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 26 through May 28
- ENGAGEMENTS: May 20, 2012
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YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Oil in your backyard: Track where new wells are planned
The Indiana Division of Oil and Gas well records show there are 72 existing oil wells in Vigo County.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
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Mother's Day stories: Amazing, Loving, Patient, Faithful, Friend, Brave
It’s merely one word, yet the conjunction of those six letters conjures up so many meanings and feelings. While teaching us both the simple and profound lessons in life, mothers somehow can instill morals and memories. They can guide us on our journey, pick us up when we fall, and let go when we must find our own strength.
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VALLEY LIFE BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
Senior Citizens Picnic scheduled at Forest Park
New group offers support to moms
Edgar Extension to host edible centerpiece workshop
Style show features Wabash Valley celebrities
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PAW PRINTS: Kitten-proof the home before bringing pet home
It’s kitten season at the Terre Haute Humane Society. Come and take a look at all the many colors currently living at the shelter. Fall in love with the adorable babies, and take advantage of the sibling discount and adopt two. Kittens are so much fun. They’re inquisitive, playful and loving.
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TRIED ‘N’ TRUE: Rhubarb, strawberries, cherries ready at same time
With rhubarb, strawberries and cherries being about ready at the same time, this recipe is so easy.
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GRAPE SENSE: Finding a 100 percent Carignan will be worth the effort
It’s a long path from Louisville, Ky., to Saint-Jean-de-Minervois in Southern France. But that’s the journey Brown University graduate John Bojanowski took in transformation from literature major to Languedoc winery owner.
- More Valley Life Headlines
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Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Romney Campaigns Ahead of Claiming Nomination
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Obama Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington Cemetery
Man in Crane at Texas College Says He's Armed
Obama Honors Medal of Freedom Recipients
Raw Video: Deadly Explosion at Minn. Paper Mill
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
White House: No Military Intervention in Syria
Police Probe Similarities in 2 Disappearances
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Panetta: Asia the 'Project' for New Navy Grads
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Romney Promises World's Strongest Military
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Couple doesn’t let tropical storm ruin their big day
Tori Bares Baby Bump in Monokini
Letterman on Family Life Post-Scandal
Evans: Serena in shock
Pregnant Reese Wears LBD
Volcano covers Colombian cities in ash
Meet the Crew and Good Ship 'Prometheus'
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
