Pleco is diseased?

Question
I went to my lfc of over 10 years to find my "fish guy" was out with the flu.

I had another employee bag up a red spotted pleco for me.
I never inspect my fish from there anymore, my "fish guy" is trustworthy. I gave the kid a shot and did not inspect the fish.
While floating him i noticed a darkened discoloration on his sides and a funky little ball of growth on his upper lip.
Velvet?
I am going to flash him tonight
However in my many years of hobby i have been lucky enough to never run into any parasites or diseases

well besides my beloved clown loches! ICK!

Any information would be wonderful, thank you for your time

Answer
Hi Eric.  Listen, before I go any further with this question, 2 things.  DId you flash him last night?  See anything?  And, what does the "growth" on his lip look like?  color, shape, size, etc.

Lastly, I am not familiar with a "red spotted pleco".  Does it go by another name by chance??  Please let me know.

I'll wait to hear back from you and we'll go from there.  ;o)