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Digestivas

Intestinal lymphangiectasia

Dilation of the lymphatic vessels of the intestine, which causes a loss of proteins and fats into the digestive tract. The animal becomes malnourished even though it eats.

Severe🐕 Dogs

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Chronic diarrhoea
  • • Progressive weight loss despite eating
  • • Swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation
  • • Swelling of the legs in advanced cases
  • • Lethargy

Causes

Obstruction or malformation of the intestinal lymphatic vessels, sometimes associated with inflammatory bowel disease. There is a breed predisposition.

Diagnosis

Blood tests (low proteins), ultrasound and an intestinal biopsy to confirm.

Treatment

A very low-fat, highly digestible diet, sometimes corticosteroids, and management of complications. It is a chronic disease that is controlled with a strict diet.

Prevention

Not preventable. Rigorous dietary management is the cornerstone of control.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if there is chronic diarrhoea with weight loss, or if the legs or abdomen become swollen.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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