TERRE HAUTE — Cancer is the number one cause of death in companion animals in the United States, according to Dr. Laura Garrett, veterinary oncologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. For cats, a common type of cancer is lymphoma. Originating in the white blood cells of the immune system, the disease often attacks the lymph nodes causing them to enlarge.
Garrett says, “Lymphoma is common in middle-aged to older cats.” Typically, it begins in the tissues associated with the immune system (lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow) although it can start in almost any part of the body.
Currently, the gastrointestinal variety of lymphoma is the most common form in cats. Typical symptoms experienced are weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
“If a young cat is diagnosed with lymphoma it is usually feline leukemia [FeLV] positive,” Garrett explains.
Except for the gastrointestinal type of lymphoma, this virus is linked to most forms of lymphoma. The feline immunodeficiency virus can also increase the risk of developing lymphoma and cats exposed to second-hand smoke are also at greater risk. In order to diagnose gastrointestinal lymphoma, a fine needle is inserted into the intestinal mass, a minimally invasive procedure. The biopsy is examined. If it contains a large percentage of white blood cells (lymphocytes), it is diagnosed as lymphoma. Since lymphoma is a form of cancer that can infect many different parts of the body (systemic), chemotherapy is necessary. Generally, lymphoma responds well to this treatment. Although each patient is different, and each form of lymphoma responds differently to drugs, it’s difficult to determine the percentage of cats that will go into remission.
“It is important to note that because veterinary medicine uses lower dosages of chemotherapy than human medicine, the majority of patients receiving treatment maintain a good quality of life. In addition, because a cat’s hair does not continually grow like humans, they usually do not lose their fur coat during treatment,” Garrett says.
According to Arnold Plotnick MS, DVM, ACVIM, ABVP, the average survival time, with chemotherapy for high-grade (large cell) lymphoma is 2.7 months and cats with low-grade lymphoma average 17 months to 2 years or longer.
Oscar
Oscar is a beautiful, orange marble, male kitten approximately 5 months old. He is loving, inquisitive and very playful. He loves to be petted while cuddled on your lap. Oscar is altered and ready to go home with an approved application. He is currently in foster care, and you can meet him by calling the Terre Haute Humane Shelter at (812) 232-0293. Consider adopting Oscar; he would be a great addition to your family.
Valley Life
PAW PRINTS: Lymphoma is most common cancer in cats
- 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.
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