Which form of lymphangiectasia is more common in dogs?

• A. Primary
• B. Secondary
• C. Congenital
• D. Acquired

Answer: (B)

Lymphangiectasia is dilation of the intestinal lymphatics that leads to leakage of lymph into the gut, causing protein-losing enteropathy. There are two forms: primary (congenital malformation of lymphatics) and secondary (acquired due to another disease process that disrupts lymphatic drainage or increases lymph production). In dogs, secondary lymphangiectasia is far more common because many cases arise from an underlying condition—such as inflammatory bowel disease, neoplasia, or cardiac disease that increases lymphatic pressure and drainage demand—leading to dilation of the lymphatics. Primary or congenital lymphangiectasia is relatively rare. So the most frequent form in dogs is secondary.