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My beautiful 3 year old labrador has just had a lump removed from his groin area which has been diagnosed as a Stage II mast cell tumor. The vet is very confident that there was complete removal and there appears to be no "bad tissue". His blood tests do not reveal any abnormalities. The vet has recommended that he commence taking Palladia which would inhibit the development of new mast cell tumors. I have done some research and it seems that labradors are particularly prone to these tumors, especially goldens. I am devastated by this news, and need input regarding the use of Palladia as it is relatively new. Does the fact that Caesar had this tumor mean that he HAS cancer and needs this treatment or is it a "preventative" measure only, if so should I go ahead? . Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Sue

Tessee - Sue, I am so sorry to read about your loss, it so very sad. Thank you for sharing so others like me will be made aware of the danger. I was considering this as the letter I had from my vet listed recommendations for heartworm and the yearly treatment was one of the alternatives. It sounds so simple and easy and that's why I was considering it. However I did vaguely remember seeing some adverse comments in this forum and have since done more research. From the replies here and other articles I found I have decided it is definitely not the way to go. When I visit the Vet I am going to take along some facts I have discovered and ask him why he promotes this product. Surely vets have been made aware that there is a problem! By the way, sorry for the "oops" posts above. Sue

Thank you for your replies. I have decided it best to stick to the monthly chewables for heartworm. Regarding the annual vaccination I am going to request the titre test be done first. Thanks again.

Caesar is due to have his annual vaccination this week. I also have to decide on heartworm treatment, which way to go? I remember reading a thread about the yearly vaccination and that there was a lot against this. I cannot find the thread to refresh my memory so would like some input from other DOLers please. Am I right that the Proheart annual vaccination has been withdrawn from use in the US? Advice would be appreciated. Sue

Hi Queeny I don't actually have an answer to your question, but I'm interested to know more about the "playgroup" you've been taking your pup to. Can anyone go along? I have a 7 month old lab who I feel could benefit from more socialisation. Like you I have attended puppy pre-school and a six week group "beginners" course with Caesar where I had the same experience with keeping the pups at a distance from each other. My little fellow is quite timid and stayed close to my side, not showing much interest in any of the other pups although there was not really any opportunity for "play" so I don't know how he would have reacted. If the "playgroup" is open to anyone could you please let me know where you go and at what time? I live in the Regents Park area so Parramatta is not too far away for us. I am also continuing training, enrolling Caesar in another group training class which commences on 7th February at Yagoona. If you are interested I can let you know how it goes and if there is better socialisation.

Hi, I take my puppy to very good Vet at Bass Hill, on the Hume H'way just near Bass Hill Plaza. They are open until 2 pm today. Hope your pup is OK.

I'm pleased to report that we are getting there, slowly but surely. I have taken the advice I received from those who replied and I am ignoring the crying. Caesar has got the message that crying doesn't bring be running any more and he sits at the door quietly for over half an hour, looking very sad I must say. I worry that he doesn't just go off and play. He has toys and a soccer ball to play with in the yard, also a kennel to go into and a trampoline type bed but still he just sits at the door and waits. Does anyone have a suggestion for something "fantastic" for him to want to stay outside for? I have tried marrow bones, kong etc. as I mentioned previously.

Thank you all for your advice and links to other helpful information. I will look into all the suggestions and I now realise that I am the problem, and that I need the training. I hope to report back soon that we have resolved the problem. Thanks again.

Yes, I guess though that this is the wrong thing to do. I just say "no crying" and wait for him to stop before opening the door. But I don't let him in at that point, I go outside too, then we come in together.

I did mention this to the trainer and we spoke about separation anxiety (which I don't think is the problem), I even bought a book which gave me some good advice which I have put into practice. We have no problem inside the house, I can be in a different room with the door closed and it doesn't bother him. He just waits patiently for me to come out. How long would be too long to let him cry and shake? I also have neighbours to consider although they have not complained so far.

The 20 minutes is as much as I can bear or I would be crying too.

Lappiemum, no he's not my first puppy, yes he's allowed in the house. He has been to puppy pre-school, just graduated last week. He has been very easy to train to sit, shake, drop etc. I don't know anything about crate training. We are a family of 3 adults, we sometimes have visitors which causes much excitement! Puppy pre-school is really the only place he has had socialisation with other dogs as he has not finished his injections yet so we are not out walking at this stage. He is alone for about 6 hours during the day - Mon-Fri - when I work, but I've been on holidays as well. I have also taken him to work with me for the day on a couple of occasions. The main routine we follow is that breakfast is around 7 am, dinner around 6 pm and meals are eaten outside. I got general info from the people I bought him from, such as diet and health - that's about all. I will try adding a photo, but I'm on the computer at work presently - will have to add one when I get home. Thanks for your interest.

I have gradually got up to about 20 minutes.