Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 4 months old | 8 lbs
My 7 year old female chihuahua who is not fixed, has developed what looks like a bruise under her skin. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, she's playing eating drinking and running around like normal. I can touch and slightly press the area and she shows no reaction of pain at all... I'm concerned as of what it could be though. Please help
1 Answer
Published on May 8th, 2017
If the swelling came on suddenly, or is continuing to increase in size or discoloration, it is best to have the spot checked out by your vet. Darkening of the skin can also sometimes be caused by actual bruising, metabolic issues, and skin problems, so a complete exam of the area is best. Some tumors such as mast cell, lipoma and mammary tumors can appear as swellings/skin changes on the belly and should be examined by a vet, however these often appear as nodules rather than dirty/discolored areas.
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