The Environmental Protection Agency conducted a study regarding the possible connection between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE – a flame retardant chemical added to various household products) and an increase in hyperthyroidism in cats. This study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, confirmed that some housecats had high levels of PBDEs. Although the evidence was not conclusive, it is possible that PBDE’ may increase the risk of hyperthyroidism in cats. PBDEs have been a concern for years as a potential health risk for humans, particularly relating to the nervous and reproductive systems.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether is a flame retardant commonly used in the manufacturing of household products such as upholstery, carpets, and mattresses. PBDEs have been used since the 1970s and products containing this chemical release it into house dust. This can then be ingested or inhaled into the body. Veterinary research is currently analyzing the connection between PBDEs and deteriorating illnesses in pets.
“Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common conditions found in older cats,” says Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “It’s usually caused by a benign tumor of one or both thyroid glands, which can lead to increased levels of thyroid hormone in the body.” Symptoms can include weight loss, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite, thirst, and urination.
If treated quickly and with the appropriate care, feline hyperthyroidism is not fatal. According to Dr. Murray, left untreated it can result in heart disease and eventually heart failure.
The ASPCA recommends the following precautions to help keep you and your pet safe:
Use a vacuum cleaner and air conditioners with a HEPA filter and regularly change the filters. Cover upholstery tears that expose polyurethane foam, especially if the foam has broken up. Cover mattresses with allergen barriers in order to reduce dust that could contain PBDEs. The mattress label will indicate if polyurethane foam was used; do not remove the label.
Featured Pet
Stevetta has done a great job raising her 8 puppies and she is now ready to retire from being a mommy. She is a very sweet and quiet girl that is completely house broken. You can trust her in the house, but she will allow you to crate her if necessary without any problems. She likes to just hang out with you, but will not bother you for constant attention, but absolutely loves it when someone gives her a good scratching and petting. She loves to go outside and play and go for walks. All she asks for is two meals a day and a couple potty breaks and maybe one more just before bed time. She never makes a peep at night and she barks rarely. She gets along with other dogs - big and small - although she is a few years old and doesn't participate in younger dog play. She likes to run in the yard and chase birds. She has been in foster care since the shelter took ownership of her. She would really like to be adopted straight from foster care as it is kind of noisy at the shelter. She prefers a quiet setting where she can relax. She is a very special lady that will be missed dearly. Can you give her the loving indoor home that she deserves. Contact her foster mommy for additional information or to arrange to meet her. (812) 240-8613
Valley Life
Paw Prints: Feline hyperthyroidism possibly linked to household pollutant
- 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
