Generalized lymphangiectasis in a dog with subcutaneous chyle and lymphangioma

A 2 1/2-year-old spayed Great Dane was evaluated for large, fluctuant, chyle-containing swellings on the ventral portion of the left side of the abdomen. Multiple abnormalities of the lymphatic system were diagnosed, including thoracic duct obstruction, lymphangioma, subcutaneous chyle reflux, intestinal lymphangiectasia, and dilatation of hepatic, mesenteric, and pleural lymphatic vessels. Mesenteric lymphangiography revealed leakage of contrast medium into the subcutaneous tissues adjacent and to the left of the second lumbar vertebral body. Dietary and surgical management to control the chylous reflux were unsuccessful, and the dog died approximately one year after the skin lesions were first observed.