Changes

Clinical signs are related to the loss of lymph and the resultant protein-losing enteropathy and fat malabsorption.  The following signs are therefore common:

Clinical signs are related to the loss of lymph and the resultant protein-losing enteropathy and fat malabsorption.  The following signs are therefore common:

*'''Weight loss''' in the face of '''polyphagia''' due to loss of fat and protein.

*'''Weight loss''' in the face of '''polyphagia''' due to loss of fat and protein.

*'''Chronic [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]]''' or '''steatorrhoea''', the latter occurring due to the high fat content of the faeces.  The presence of large quantities of fat in the intestinal lumen provides a substrate for bacteria which produce hydroxy-fatty acids as by-products.  Bacterial proliferation may result in concurrent [[Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Antibiotic Responsive Diarrhoea|small intestinal bacterial overgrowth]] (SIBO) and the hydroxy-fatty acids act as potent secretagogues in the colon, leading to the production of diarrhoeic faeces.

*'''Chronic [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]]''' or '''steatorrhoea''', the latter occurring due to the high fat content of the faeces.  The presence of large quantities of fat in the intestinal lumen provides a substrate for bacteria which produce hydroxy-fatty acids as by-products.  Bacterial proliferation may result in concurrent [[Antibiotic Responsive Diarrhoea|small intestinal bacterial overgrowth]] (SIBO) and the hydroxy-fatty acids act as potent secretagogues in the colon, leading to the production of diarrhoeic faeces.

*[[:Category:Effusions|'''Effusions''']] may develop for a number of reasons in animals with lymphangiectasia.  Ascites composed of a [[Transudate|transudate]] may develop in severely [[Hypoalbuminaemia|hypoproteinaemic]] animals but, in animals that develop secondary lymphangiectasia due to right-sided heart failure, a [[Modified Transudate|modified transudate]] may form due to portal hypertension.  If the major lymphatic vessels of the abdomen are disrupted (by a neoplastic mass), [[Chylous Effusion|chylous ascites]] may develop, although this is very rare.  In animals with congenital lymphangiectasia or in those with disruption of the thoracic duct, chylothorax has also been described.

*[[:Category:Effusions|'''Effusions''']] may develop for a number of reasons in animals with lymphangiectasia.  Ascites composed of a [[Transudate|transudate]] may develop in severely [[Hypoalbuminaemia|hypoproteinaemic]] animals but, in animals that develop secondary lymphangiectasia due to right-sided heart failure, a [[Modified Transudate|modified transudate]] may form due to portal hypertension.  If the major lymphatic vessels of the abdomen are disrupted (by a neoplastic mass), [[Chylous Effusion|chylous ascites]] may develop, although this is very rare.  In animals with congenital lymphangiectasia or in those with disruption of the thoracic duct, chylothorax has also been described.

*[[Stomach and Abomasum Consequences of Gastric Disease - Pathology|Vomiting]], lethargy and anorexia are uncommon clinical signs.

*[[Stomach and Abomasum Consequences of Gastric Disease - Pathology|Vomiting]], lethargy and anorexia are uncommon clinical signs.

*'''Hypocalcaemia''' occurs due to hypoproteinaemia (reducing the total but not ionised calcium concentration) and due to vitamin D and calcium malabsorption.  Hypocalcaemic tetany may be observed in animals which are severely hypocalcaemic and which then become stressed or excited.

*'''Hypocalcaemia''' occurs due to hypoproteinaemia (reducing the total but not ionised calcium concentration) and due to vitamin D and calcium malabsorption.  Hypocalcaemic tetany may be observed in animals which are severely hypocalcaemic and which then become stressed or excited.

*'''Hypomagnesaemia''' may also develop due to malabsorption but this is rarely recognised in clinical practice.

*'''Hypomagnesaemia''' may also develop due to malabsorption but this is rarely recognised in clinical practice.

*Changes associated with SIBO are discussed [[Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Antibiotic Responsive Diarrhoea|here]].

*Changes associated with SIBO are discussed [[Antibiotic Responsive Diarrhoea|here]].

====Other Tests====

====Other Tests====

===Antimicrobials===

===Antimicrobials===

[[Nitroimidazoles|Metronidazole]] or [[Macrolides and Lincosamides|tylosin]] may be used to control any secondary [[Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Antibiotic Responsive Diarrhoea|SIBO]].  Antibiotics are thought to have effects on both the intestinal immune system and the normal enteric flora.

[[Nitroimidazoles|Metronidazole]] or [[Macrolides and Lincosamides|tylosin]] may be used to control any secondary [[Antibiotic Responsive Diarrhoea|SIBO]].  Antibiotics are thought to have effects on both the intestinal immune system and the normal enteric flora.

===Fluid therapy===

===Fluid therapy===