Cami, can you explain the scratch test to me? I'm not familiar.
Wishing all the best!
The "scratch test" has to do with mast cell tumors. They contain histamine in large amounts and when you scratch them (or manipulate them) they can sometimes release the histamine and swell up.
Similar to a bee sting. You get stung and the area around where stung gets a little swollen. That is the rush of histamine coming to the area in an attempt to help the site of "injury"....histamine response.
Not all MCT's will do this and some can even get very "angry" and when too much histamine is released it can lead to anaphylactic shock (not a good thing). That is an extreme case however and one of the reasons that vets administer Benadryl (or similar) when they remove a suspected MCT surgically.
I didn't shave the area however I don't know if I can easily find it now because I keep checking on it or if it is larger in some way. It is a very TINY lump so that is a good thing. It is pretty firm and can't be seen (no change in color from skin tone), when I move the hair away from it and you can't see if at all so it isn't raising her hair above it.
I am going to choose to believe that it isn't anything serious at this point even though I nearly had a coronary when I felt it for the first time. I'm going to put some antibiotic ointment on it today in the hopes that it is who knows what and it might offer some aid. At least I will feel like I am doing something. If after a week or so it is still here I will have it aspirated (or if it changes at all--much sooner).
God forbid it is a suspected MCT (if it needs aspirated) but if that is the case....Vetalog injections will be the first attempt at killing it off.
Positive vibes, good thoughts, prayers and magical fairy dust are appreciated!
and it will turn out to be nothing. :D