Lump on dogs belly

Question
My 8 month-old Boston Terrier has always had a small blueish lump just above his belly button.  It now appears to be slightly darker and larger, although still no larger than his actual belly button.  The vet has never noticed it, and I forgot to ask about it the last time we were there.  What could this be?

Answer
Hi Ami!

If your dog has splotchy colored patches on his skin, I could understand how your vet may have missed the lump. There isn't a substitute for an alert pet owner!

I can't diagnose your dog, but I can tell what this sounds like (I am not a vet).

Hemangiomas are a benign lump formed by blood vessel tissues that occur in the skin. Hemangiomas can vary in color from bluish to purple to reddish-black or purplish-black. Most hemangiomas appear to be raised lumps but sometimes just look like skin discoloration. They can vary in size from very small to as large as several centimeters in diameter. Sometimes they look like a small chain of colored lumps.

Since you are concerned, you should have your dog seen by your vet. If it turns out be to be a Hemangioma, the good thing is that surgical removal should provide a complete cure if it is possible to get the whole tumor.

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted and give that Boston Terrier lots of kisses for me!Sending wagging tails your way!
Nicole.D.