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juliet1 · 02-01-2009, 01:19 PM

Here is a description of the condition, I hope no one else experiences this:

I am on a mailing list from Purina. I just recently was sent an update on Lymphangiectasia in Yorkshire Terriers. According to Purina, this is a genetic condition and a potentially fatal protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). In primary intestinal lymphangiectasia, the vessels containing lymph, "which is made up of rich proteins and long-chain fatty acids, become very distended." Because of the vessels distension, lymph leaks into the intestines instead of flowing normally into the dog's blood stream. "As a result, dogs lose proteins, lipids and fats throguh the stool rather than absorbing the nutrients as they normally would. The failure to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins D and K, may cause low blood calcium and magnisum levels and bleeding tendencies."

The article points out that this condition is more common than believed. It is seen in Yorkshire Terriers and Norwegian Lundehunds. Other breeds that cab exhibit PLE's include the Basenji, Chinese Shar-Pei and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. "Clinical signs are not usually present from birth and the mode of inheritance is not known." This is of significant concern to breeders. Of the two breeders highlighted in the article, both had already bred bitches with the condition before the condition had been diagnosed. "Neither Quinn nor Miller has experienced lymphangiectasia in a young dog, and both believe the condition is more common in Yorkies than most breeders and owners realize. ' Lymphangiectasa can be confusnig to diagnose because other diseases have similar signs' says Quinn. 'Dogs may go undiagnosed or the condition, and thus the treatment, may be confsued with other intestinal problems.

02-01-2009, 01:19 PM	#2
juliet1 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC USA Posts: 9	Here is a description of the condition, I hope no one else experiences this: I am on a mailing list from Purina. I just recently was sent an update on Lymphangiectasia in Yorkshire Terriers. According to Purina, this is a genetic condition and a potentially fatal protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). In primary intestinal lymphangiectasia, the vessels containing lymph, "which is made up of rich proteins and long-chain fatty acids, become very distended." Because of the vessels distension, lymph leaks into the intestines instead of flowing normally into the dog's blood stream. "As a result, dogs lose proteins, lipids and fats throguh the stool rather than absorbing the nutrients as they normally would. The failure to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins D and K, may cause low blood calcium and magnisum levels and bleeding tendencies." The article points out that this condition is more common than believed. It is seen in Yorkshire Terriers and Norwegian Lundehunds. Other breeds that cab exhibit PLE's include the Basenji, Chinese Shar-Pei and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. "Clinical signs are not usually present from birth and the mode of inheritance is not known." This is of significant concern to breeders. Of the two breeders highlighted in the article, both had already bred bitches with the condition before the condition had been diagnosed. "Neither Quinn nor Miller has experienced lymphangiectasia in a young dog, and both believe the condition is more common in Yorkies than most breeders and owners realize. ' Lymphangiectasa can be confusnig to diagnose because other diseases have similar signs' says Quinn. 'Dogs may go undiagnosed or the condition, and thus the treatment, may be confsued with other intestinal problems.