Lymphoedema - a problem of gigantic proportions (abstract)

Authors: Collett MG, Collett JC
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 52, Issue 1, pp 49, Feb 2004
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog, Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Circulatory system/haematology, Pathology
Article class: Abstract

---

Abstract: Lymphoedema (LO) is the accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid caused by failure of normal lymphatic drainage. Human lymphoedema is classified as primary (congenital hereditary or idiopathic, praecox or tarda forms) or secondary (complication of surgery or radiotherapy, such as that for breast cancer, as well as bancroftian filariasis, cellulitis and lymphangitis amongst others). Primary LO may be due to lymphatic aplasia, hypoplasia, dysplasia, lymphangiectasia, or aplasia or hypoplasia of draining lymph nodes. Approximately one in thirty people worldwide has LO. An adult cross-bred male dog died after developing massive, progressive subcutaneous swelling around the neck, face, rump and tail following a dogfight 2 weeks previously. Histologically, there was evidence of infected skin wounds plus severe fl uid accumulation in the interstitium with no discernible lymphatics (primary tarda form of LO). A 16-year-old Thoroughbred mare was euthanised after developing severe swelling of the submandibular region, lips and nose over 6 months. Histologically, secondary LO with severe dermal fibrosis and prominent lymphangitis and lymphangiectasis was present.

---