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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Born to perform: Terre Haute South senior to sing in Carnegie Hall
Soon, the domed ceiling of Carnegie Hall and the archway in the Hayes family kitchen will share a special connection.
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8th District Rep. Bucshon visits CASA volunteers
The U.S Representative of the 8th Congressional District, Larry Bucshon met with CASA volunteers earlier this month to learn more about the Vigo County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
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Paw Prints: Animal protection law ranking hits home
The Humane Society of the United States released the 2011 “Humane State Ranking” of all 50 states and Washington D.C.
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Tried 'n' True: Here's a recipe for all you chocolate lovers
This recipe is for all you chocolate lovers.
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Soybean farmers build state fair building
Since 98 percent of Americans no longer live on farms, Indiana soybean farmers are going to bring the farm to the public in a new exhibit building at the 2012 Indiana State Fair.
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Sign up now for Rockville Public Library’s ebook class
Rockville Public Library will have free demonstrations on how to use ebook readers with its downloadable ebook service, Overdrive.
- Weddings, Anniversaries: Jan. 29, 2012
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Sullivan Foundation looking for Volunteer of Year
The Sullivan County Community Foundation is currently seeking nominations for its “Volunteer of the Year” award to be announced March 29.
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YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Conversation leads to imagining a world with no trees
I was recently asked by someone to imagine what the end of the world would look like. I consider myself a very optimistic person and have never imagined the end. The only image that came to mind was one often portrayed in a Hollywood movie, a scene where a big fireball comes down and everything is burnt to a crisp. The person I was talking with imagined the end would be a world where there are no living trees. This short but interesting conversation got me interested in what has and is plaguing trees.
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College offers cooking class in time for Valentine’s Day
Treat your sweetheart to a home-cooked romantic dinner for two this Valentine’s Day, courtesy of a cooking class offered at Lincoln Trail College.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Jan. 29, 2012
In earlier columns we have reported on the winners of the various master point races at the Bridge Center for last year.
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Sign up now for Signing for the Savior classes
There is still time to sign up for Senior Education Ministries’ Signing for the Savior class; the first session is Tuesday.
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Birthdays: Jan. 29, 2012
•Thelma J. Parr
• Earl S. VanScoyk
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Ryves Neighborhood, WTWO plan ‘Share Your Love’ food drive
Ryves Neighborhood Association and WTWO are sponsoring the second annual food drive from Feb. 3-17 called “Share Your Love.”
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A safe crossing: ‘Turtle girl’ Amber Slaughterbeck makes it her duty to transport Wabashiki animals to safety
On her daily drive to classes at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Amber Slaughterbeck kept encountering a sad scene alongside the highway.
- Special Occasions: Jan. 22, 2012
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Tried 'n' True: A zucchini bread that’s different than most others
A few months ago I tasted zucchini bread that was different from all the other zucchini breads. It didn’t have cinnamon and it was light in color, not dark. I also found out that it contained oats.
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Mormon Community Canning Day set for Feb. 4
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Terre Haute offers a Mormon Community Canning Day from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 4.
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White Violet Center to participate in cooking classes
White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of Sisters of Providence at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, is participating in three cooking classes this winter in the Clabber Girl Kitchen at Ninth and Cherry streets in Terre Haute.
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Paw Prints: With heartworm drug off market indefinitely, prevention is key
Heartworms are life-threatening for dogs and cats. Currently, the only FDA drug approved to treat heartworms, Immiticide, is off the market indefinitely.
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Terre Foods invites public to annual meeting on Tuesday
Terre Foods Cooperative Market will stage its third annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Central Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Seventh St. The meeting is open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided.
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Vigo farmer wins $2,500 through Farmers Grow program
Carolyn Piety of Terre Haute has been selected as a winner in America’s Farmers Grow Communities, which gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations.
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2012 TREES Photography Contest all about blooms; prepare to enter now
TREES Dressed in Bloom will be the theme for the next TREES, Inc. Photography Contest. Photo entries must include trees, a tree, or part of a tree showing a blossom or blossoms.
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GRAPE SENSE: Change of pace to brighten day: Italian Soave perfect for summer days
Winter is the time for hearty food and bold wines. But every once in a while a change of pace brightens the day.
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Terre Haute Community Health Fair coming up
Leaders in health in the Wabash Valley will gather to educate residents about their health and how they can improve it during the Terre Haute Community Health Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 29.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Jan. 22, 2012
Our Monday evening group of bridge players is a microcosm of life.
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Becoming organized now saves precious time, money in future
From overindulgence to simplicity — it’s the time of year when we start new. The party is over; it’s time to get down to business. De-cluttering our lives comes as almost a requirement in January.
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Soup Bowl Benefit tickets on sale
Tickets for the second annual Soup Bowl Benefit are on sale now. The Soup Bowl Benefit, an evening of music, conversation, soup and bread, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 4 in Maryland Community Church atrium. Maryland Community Church is at 4700 S. Indiana 46 in Terre Haute.
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Life: Jan. 15, 2012
* Register now for Grazing Conference
• Take pictorial tour of Wabashiki area
• Parke historian to give genealogy talk
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Paw Prints: Diet full of protein vital for healthy cat
Cats are natural carnivores and meat is an important part of their diet. A cat needs more than 25 percent of his diet to be protein.
- More Valley Life Headlines
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