This week’s Mystery Photo
Where is this?
Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.
313 E. Higham St.
Archi Tomczyk writes: “I used to work at Rivard’s Nursing Home, and this was referred to as the big house. This was many years ago before Hazel Findlay was built. I have no idea who owns it now.”
The current owner is Tricia Parsons. Previous owners include Walter and Carole Schmidtman, L and R Wilson/F and M Nelson, John and Geogia Rivard, and Timothy and Rachel Zylstra.
A Look Back – E-M-F
by Barry Bauer
This was the Wm. J. Moss car dealership in the early 1900s. The location was at 201 W. Higham St. They sold both E-M-F vehicles as well as the “Maxwell.”
E-M-F stood for Byron F. Everitt, William E. Metzger, and Walter E. Flanders, the founders of the company. They competed with Ford in those days. Studebaker eventually bought them out.
The dealership changed hands and became the W. M Luecht Chrysler Plymouth dealer.
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed and Treated in Pets?
Though brain tumors occur with fair frequency in both cats and dogs, optimal diagnostic and treatment plans are not well established. Thus brain tumors are considered a challenging disease for both veterinary neurologists and oncologists.
Brain tumors are either primary or secondary, with about equal chance of either of them being the diagnosis. Primary brain tumors originate from cells normally found within the brain tissue itself, or the thin membranes lining its surface. The most common primary tumors are meningiomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, choroid plexus tumours, central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, glioblastoma, histiocytic sarcomas, and ependymomas.
Secondary brain tumors occur when either a primary tumor located elsewhere in the body spreads to the brain (a process known as metastasis) or extends into the brain via invasion from adjacent tissue (e.g., bones of the skull, nasal cavity, eye, etc.).
Brain tumors occur most often in older pets, with the median age of affected dogs and cats being 9 and 11 years, respectively. Certain breeds show a predisposition for developing primary brain tumors: Boxers, Golden retrievers, and domestic shorthair cats are at increased risk.
Brain tumors that originate from the membranes covering the brain (known as meningiomas) occur more often in dolichocephalic breeds—those with long heads and noses—such as Collies. Conversely, brachycephalic breeds, with their short-nosed, flat-faced appearance, are more likely to develop gliomas, which are tumors of the interstitial tissue of the central nervous system.
The most common clinical sign of a brain tumor in dogs is seizures. Cats are more likely to show a sudden onset of aggression. Other signs suggestive of a brain tumor include behavioral changes, altered consciousness, hypersensitivity to pain or touch in the neck area, vision problems, propulsive circling motions, uncoordinated movement, and a “drunken,” unsteady gait. Non-specific signs such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and inappropriate urination are also seen.
There are several recommended staging tests for pets suspected to have brain tumors. These tests are designed to examine for widespread disease in the body, are considered part of a general health screen, and can establish baseline information with which we can compare to in the future.
Staging tests include complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, thoracic radiographs, and abdominal ultrasonography. These tests are used rule out an extracranial primary tumor that has metastasized to the brain, or the possibility of another primary tumor located in a distant site. These tests provide owners with peace of mind for moving forward with advanced imaging (MRI/CT) of their pets’ brains. In approximately 8% of cases, results from such tests will ultimately lead to a change in the anticipated diagnostic and treatment plan.
When a brain tumor is suspected, and staging tests are considered clear, the recommended next test is typically magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The exception would be cases where a pituitary tumor is suspected, as these tumors are better visualized using CT scan.
The only way to definitively diagnose a brain tumor and determine its exact tissue of origin would be through biopsy. While it is ideal to have a diagnosis before proceeding with therapy, veterinarians often recommend treatment based on a presumptive diagnosis from the imaging characteristics of an intracranial mass This is due to the increased risk associated with the procedure and the negative impact the clinical signs seen in affected patients has on their overall quality of life.
There are three primary treatment options for dogs that have been diagnosed with brain tumors: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The objectives of such therapies are to or reduce the size of the tumor and to control secondary effects, such as fluid build-up in the brain. Surgery may be used to completely or partially remove tumors, while radiation therapy and chemotherapy may help shrink tumors or reduce the chance of regrowth following surgery. Medications are also often prescribed to manage the side effects of brain tumors, such as seizures.
The prognosis for dogs with brain tumors is considered guarded to fair. Survival times of 2-4 months are expected with supportive care alone, 6-12 months with surgery alone, 7-24 months with radiation therapy alone, 6 months to 3 years with surgery combined with radiation therapy, and 7-11 months with chemotherapy alone.
As is typical for many aspects of veterinary oncology, accurate prognostic information for cats with brain tumors is lacking.
If your veterinarian suspects your pet has a brain tumor, please consider seeking a consult with a board certified veterinary neurologist or oncologist in your area to understand your options for both diagnosis and treatment.
You can find more information at the website for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Maralyn’s Did You Know? – International Foodsource, LLC and Lipari Foods issue a Voluntary Recall
International Foodsource, LLC Issues a Voluntary Recall of Various Raw Pistachios Products due to Possible Salmonella Risk. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella can experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The products were distributed to food service and retail stores nationally. Lipari Foods products were distributed to food service and retail stores throughout Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
The affected products can be identified by:
– Bulk Raw Whole Pistachio 80% VP 76114 (Sam International Lot# 102914) 30 LBS Boxes 4/29/16 N/A
– Valued Naturals Raw Pistachio Kernels 79249 5 oz Bags 08/10/16 790429241428
– IFS Club Bag Pistachio Raw Shelled 80% Wholes 78634 3 LBS Bags 7/16/16 790429243026
– IFS Web Bulk Pistachio – Shelled 80% Whole 78998 30 LBS Boxes 07/30/16 790429239630
– Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Blue Goose Market, Hollywood Market, Market Fresh Fine Foods, Market Square, Roger’s Foodland,Trentwood Farms) 583524
– Fancy Fruit & Nut Mix (Generic) 582164
– Pistachio Raw Whole Shelled (Generic) 481966
– Pistachio Meat Raw (Marv & Alison’s Marketplace, Long Lake Market, Martin’s, Holiday Market, The Purple Onion, Trentwood Farms, Angeli Foods, Market Square, Village Food Market, Martha’s Vineyard, Remke Market) 206661
There are no reported illnesses in connection with this product. This was brought to our attention by FDA after their contract testing laboratory analysis revealed the presence of Salmonella in one of the 19 retail 5oz bags of Valued Naturals Raw Pistachio Kernels, Lot 79249. As a precaution, additional products are being recalled as they may be contaminated since they were packed from the master lot that came to our facility. We are working closely with FDA to determine the cause of this situation.
Consumers who have purchased this recalled product should not consume it. They should return it to the point of purchase. Consumers with questions should call Customer Service at 973-361-7044, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm, EST, Monday through Friday.
Lipari Foods Consumers with questions should call Customer Service at 1-800-729-3354, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm, EST, Monday through Friday.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Why is My Cat So Itchy?
The most commonly diagnosed include:
Flea-bite hypersensitivity
Other skin parasites (e.g., mites)
Food allergies
Environmental allergies
The easiest problem to diagnose is flea-bite hypersensitivity, even though finding the fleas can be tricky. If a visual inspection or a flea combing does not reveal the problem, the telltale sign of flea “dirt” (digested blood that the flea deposits in the fur) is usually seen along the lower back, tail base, or around the neck. If no fleas or flea dirt are found, but the cat is scratching in these areas, a treatment trial with a veterinarian-recommended flea medication is warranted. You must treat all pets in the household for several months to completely eradicate the fleas.
Other skin parasites like mites can also cause pruritis. Cats that go outside or are in contact with outdoor pets are more likely to be infested with these pests. Skin mites may be found with multiple skin scrapings or hair combings, but false negative results do occur. Treatment options in confirmed or suspected cases include a topical, broad-spectrum parasiticide (e.g., Revolution or Advantage Multi), or, potentially, lime sulfur dips.
Food allergies (otherwise known as cutaneous adverse food reactions) are typically manifested by scabs and hair loss around the neck and face, but can affect other parts of the body, too. Some cats will also experience diarrhea or vomiting along with the pruritis and skin lesions. Contrary to the popular belief that a food allergy only occurs after a recent diet change, your cat may have been eating the same food for a long time, but only recently developed a hypersensitivity to it. The most common allergy-causing ingredients in cat foods are beef, fish, and dairy. Wheat, corn, chicken, and eggs are much lower on the list.
There are no good laboratory tests to confirm the food allergy. An 8-10 week diet trial with a novel, hypoallergenic diet (for example, duck and pea or venison and pea) is often necessary to confirm. Improvement in pruritis and skin lesions is sometimes evident in 3-4 weeks, but a full 8-10 week trial is often required. For this reason, veterinarians usually rule-out other diseases before recommending a food trial. Most veterinarians also recommend a prescription hypoallergenic diet instead of trying over-the-counter (OTC) foods. Prescription diets are manufactured on production lines that are dedicated to this diet, preventing trace food particles (potential allergens) from entering into the food, whereas OTC brands often are not.
Inhalant or environmental allergies (atopy) often begin earlier in a cat’s life and may start as a seasonal problem in the spring and/or fall. Over time, the signs usually get worse and may occur throughout the entire year. Alternatively, indoor allergens (e.g., dust mites) can cause year-round problems from the start.
The target organ for atopy (unlike the respiratory signs in people) is the skin. Cats may have many different areas of the body affected, making this problem difficult to differentiate from other skin diseases. Often, after eliminating more easily diagnosed problems, veterinarians will try a steroid trial. This involves either an oral medication given daily or an injection given every 6-8 weeks, as needed. The daily medication allows for more precise dosing and less risks of side effects but can be difficult with some cats (to say the least!). An alternative medication called cyclosporine is more in favor now due to fewer side effects; however, it is a more expensive option.
Atopy is a chronic problem, often requiring repeat treatments. Because the long-term use of steroids carries risks (e.g., steroid induced diabetes mellitus), your veterinarian will work with you to decide the best option for your pet.
Diagnosing skin problems in cats is not always easy. It requires patience because several visits to the veterinarian are often necessary, with treatment trials often utilized to reveal the underlying cause. It may take weeks to months to clear up the lesions, as well as long-term management to keep the problem under control.
Remember When? – Matthews Dairy
by Maralyn Fink
This is the location of the Clinton Arts Council now, but back in the day, it was the location of Matthews, our local hangout.
Matthews had a menu of burgers, hot dogs, fries, sodas, sundaes and other foods. With a jukebox for records at 5 cents per pop located with each booth, it was heaven!
If you wanted to hook up with some friends, it was a must to stop in because that is where you would find them.
The original flooring was still the floor until recently when the Arts Council had redecorating done. When I visited the Gallery, I always admired the floor and for what it stood for.
Matthews ice cream manufacturing plant was located on W. Walker St near Antes Cleaners, and hand dipped ice cream could be purchased there. Another ice cream store known as Richards Dairy was also a notable place for hand dipped ice cream and was located on Brush Street.
Oh, to go back to the simple days for just one day would complete my journey.