Changes

Preferably, a full thickness intestinal biopsy should be taken to achieve a definitive diagnosis.  Care should be taken as hypoproteinaemic animals are at much greater risk of dehiscence at the biopsy sites, potentially leading to an acute septic [[Peritonitis - Cats and Dogs|peritonitis]].  On histological examination of the biopsy sample, accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages may be detected together with a granulomatous response around distended lymphatics.

Preferably, a full thickness intestinal biopsy should be taken to achieve a definitive diagnosis.  Care should be taken as hypoproteinaemic animals are at much greater risk of dehiscence at the biopsy sites, potentially leading to an acute septic [[Peritonitis - Cats and Dogs|peritonitis]].  On histological examination of the biopsy sample, accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages may be detected together with a granulomatous response around distended lymphatics.

It is essential to distinguish a true lymphangiectasia from secondary lacteal dilation that occurs with [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease|Inflammatory Bowel Disease]] (IBD).  In the case of IBD, an inflammatory infiltrate will be seen in the lamina propria but the degree of infiltration may be underestimated if [[Oedema - Pathology|oedema]] is present.

It is essential to distinguish a true lymphangiectasia from secondary lacteal dilation that occurs with [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease|Inflammatory Bowel Disease]] (IBD).  In the case of IBD, an inflammatory infiltrate will be seen in the lamina propria but the degree of infiltration may be underestimated if [[Oedema|oedema]] is present.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==