Our labrador has had a tumor on his side for at least a year. It is just under the skin and seems to be attached to his hide but not to his ribcage. The vet said to just keep an eye on it. It had been the size of a small marble but recently he had his 3 year rabies booster and it has grown a bit larger. I gave him a dose of lachesis after the booster, and now I don't know if it was the shot or the remedy that has caused the changes. I remember my dog as a child had bumps on his rump for years that caused no health problems, and now I don't know what to do. The vet has offered the option of having it removed for about $500, which is do-able for us, but it involves boarding him and therefore giving him additional vaccines. I don't want to compromise his immune system further by subjecting him to that. The rabies booster was a legal requirement. He is otherwise in excellent health, eats well and is very active. I would appreciate any suggestions for the proper course of action.

Dear LisaAnnan,

I had a chance to search the history and found your related replies. I do lean toward leaving the bump alone. Is there a constitutional remedy I could consider giving Shadow to promote his continued health despite the tumor? Or since he is otherwise active and happy should I leave well enough alone. It sounds like they may develop as a response to cleansing of his system from previous vaccinations and toxins. Is it possible that their development is actually a good thing, keeping these toxins out of his system? Also, since we have a 2 year old lab as well, is it a mistake to give Lachesis after the rabies vaccination and/or is there a better remedy to give for this? Sorry about so many questions. I have managed to keep my 3 children vaccine-free but the dog licensing laws require the rabies vaccine. At least in my state it's only every three years instead of every year. However, if Shadow makes it to 13 I think I will brave the wrath of the authorities and spare him the next shot.

Thank you for any advice you could provide.

I think you should go to www.altvetmed.org to find a vet who practise homeopathy near you. You should not vaccinate any more. A good book to read is The Nature of Animal Healing by Dr Martin Goldstein. You also join the Canine cancer group on yahoo.