Changes

==Description==

==Description==

'''Lymphangiectasia''' is characterised by dilation and dysfunction of the [[Lymphatic Vessels - Anatomy & Physiology|lymphatic vessels]] of the intestines.  Consequently, protein rich lymph leaks into the intestinal lumen, causing a [[Intestines Protein-Losing Diseases - Pathology|

'''Lymphangiectasia''' is characterised by dilation and dysfunction of the [[Lymphatic Vessels - Anatomy & Physiology|lymphatic vessels]] of the intestines.  Consequently, protein rich [[Lymph - Anatomy & Physiology|lymph]] leaks into the intestinal lumen, causing a [[Intestines Protein-Losing Diseases - Pathology|

protein-losing enteropathy]] and severe lipid malabsorption.  It is relatively common in dogs but rare in cats.   

protein-losing enteropathy]] and severe lipid malabsorption.  It is relatively common in dogs but rare in cats.   

Lymphangiectasia can be classified into a primary or a secondary lymphangiectasia.  '''Primary lymphangiectasia''' may form part of a localised or a more widespread lymphatic abnormality.  '''Secondary lymphangiectasia''' results from lymphatic obstruction, which may be caused by:

Lymphangiectasia can be classified into a primary or a secondary lymphangiectasia.  '''Primary lymphangiectasia''' may form part of a localised or a more widespread lymphatic abnormality.  '''Secondary lymphangiectasia''' results from lymphatic obstruction, which may be caused by:

*inflammation, neoplastic infiltration or fibrosis

*[[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]], neoplastic infiltration or fibrosis

*thoracic duct obstruction

*thoracic duct obstruction

*[[Right-Sided Heart Failure - WikiClinical|right sided cardiac failure]]

*[[Right-Sided Heart Failure - WikiClinical|right sided cardiac failure]]

*hepatic disease

*hepatic disease

Lymphangiectasia often accompanies a lipogranulomatous inflammation, but it is not clear which is the primary event.  [[Oedema - Pathology#Lymphatic oedema|Lymphangitis]] can cause lymphatic obstruction but the leakage of lymph can also cause a [[Chronic Inflammation  - Pathology#Granulomatous Inflammation|granuloma]] to form.

Lymphangiectasia often accompanies a lipogranulomatous [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]], but it is not clear which is the primary event.  [[Oedema - Pathology#Lymphatic oedema|Lymphangitis]] can cause lymphatic obstruction but the leakage of [[Lymph - Anatomy & Physiology|lymph]] can also cause a [[Chronic Inflammation  - Pathology#Granulomatous Inflammation|granuloma]] to form.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==