Intestinal lymphangiectasia in the Lundehund. Scanning electron microscopy of intestinal mucosa.

Intestinal lymphangiectasia of obscure etiology is frequent among Norwegian Lundehunds ("puffin-dog"). A study of three Lundehunds with typical symptoms, including wasting, diarrhea and ascites, revealed segmental distention of lymphatics resembling primary lymphangiectasia in man. Atrophy, fusion and balloon-like swelling of villi with occasional rupture of lacteals were seen. Subepithelial fluid accumulation caused bulging of the epithelium. Microvilli showed partial or complete atrophy. The protein loss in the Lundehund enteropathy may be due to rupture of lacteals, increased paracellular permeability, caused by enhanced hydrostatic tissue pressure, and decreased absorption through a malformed brush border.