Diagnosing Dogs with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia

I am not a Veterinarian. I am the owner of a dog that has been ill for several months. This article on intestinal lymphangiectasia in dogs is meant to offer information only. If your dog is suffering from weight loss, swelling with fluid or has diarrhea and you and your vet have not found the source, this information may help.

Intestinal Lymphangiectasia is not Commonly Diagnosed

BoDee is a 4 year old Staffordshire terrier. She has always been healthy and happy. Nearly 5 months ago I noticed that her stomach was starting to swell and she wasn't eating very well. In a panic we took a trip to the vet, who immediately asked me if the dog was pregnant. A quick exam ruled that out, even though I told the vet she couldn't possibly be.

The vet immediately drew some of the fluid from her stomach. She told me my dog was losing protein fluid into her stomach cavity. BoDee was tested and x-rayed for cancer, kidney and liver failure, congestive heart failure and any other thing the vet could think of. All of the tests have been negative.

BoDee has returned to the vet many times in the past 5 months to have this protein fluid removed from her stomach. She has been on countless medications and we have changed her diet to a high protein low fat food. As I write this, BoDee is at the vet's again. She weighs about 60 pounds and the Doctor extracted 4 liters of fluid from her abdomen. A blood test showed a low protein level.

What is Intestinal Lymphangiectasia in Dogs?

Intestinal Lymphangiectasia in dogs is something I had never heard of until I turned to the internet for an answer to BoDee's condition. According to pet wellbeing.com this is a disorder where an inflammation applies back pressure on the lymph vessels in the intestine causing them to constrict and burst, leaking the protein and causing low levels of protein in the dog's system.

This leaking protein can build up in the dog's stomach, chest cavity and even their legs. The fluid build up can put pressure on the dog's lungs, making it difficult for the dog to breath. In extreme causes such as BoDee's the fluid needs to be removed by a veterinarian. The vet has to be careful not to remove the fluid to quickly or the dog could go into shock.

Some reports state that this disorder may be present when the dog is born, due to the lymphatic system not being formed right. Some reports state that it is hereditary, but I can trace BoDee's bloodline back to her grandparents and no one in the lineage has had this problem.

It appears to be terrier breeds that are prone to this disorder, and the list includes Yorkshire Terriers, Wheaten Terriers, Basenjis and Lundehunds. Could this possibly include my Staffordshire Terrier? I do not know, but at this point, I feel it is worth checking into.

What is the Outcome for Dogs with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia?

This intestinal disorder is not curable, but according to my research it is possible to manage it. The first step is to talk to your veterinarian and determine if your dog does have this disorder. The vet will rule out all other reasons for your dog's condition with blood tests and x-rays.

Intestinal Lymphagiectasia is generally diagnosed by a stool sample, blood work and
possibly an intestinal biopsy. The exact tests will be determined by you and your vet, as you rule out other things.

The best way to find out exactly what is wrong with your dog is to work closely with your vet. Do not be afraid to make suggestions and do your own research just like I did. During my research, I have found many other cases of dog's that have been diagnosed with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia.

It appeared they went through many trial and error months of testing and trying different types of medicines before this diagnoses was made. I am well familiar with those many heartbreaking months of trying to help a loving pet, only to have failed.

Some say that their dog is now taking antibiotics and steroids, eats a special diet of high protein low fat foods, and is doing much better. There may be periods of relapse, and your dog would need to be closely monitored. Some symptoms may be weight loss, vomiting, excess thirst, an appearance of fluid retention and intermittent diarrhea. Some dog's exhibit all of the signs, some only a few.

Should Your Dog be Tested for Intestinal Lymphangiectasia?

Testing your dog for this disorder is a decision you and your vet should make together. If all other disorders have been ruled out, it may be worth talking to your vet about. We have spent months trying to find a way to help BoDee. But I won't give up until I am out of options. This disorder gives us another option to check out.

During my research, I found a blog called Save Louie. It is one owner's heartbreaking tale about a loving pet and the months they spent trying to find out what was wrong with Louie. The diagnosis was eventually Intestinal Lymphangiectasia. I can relate that it would almost be a relief to finally know what is wrong with your pet.

Sources to read:
http://savelouie.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-it-started.html

http://pethealth.petwellbeing.com/wiki/Intestinal_Lymphangiectasia

http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/avhc/content/printContentPopup.jsp?id=610954

http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/research/SCWT/ple.htm#1