Focal intestinal lipogranulomatous lymphangitis in 10 dogs

A. Lecoindre, P. Lecoindre, J. L. Cadoré, M. Chevallier, S. Guerret, G. Derré, S. P. Mcdonough, K. W. Simpson

Background
Focal intestinal lipogranulomatous lymphangitis (FLL) is a rare form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, characterized by granulomatous inflammation primarily affecting the ileum and ileocolic junction. The study aimed to document the clinical and pathological features of FLL, evaluate potential infectious causes, and compare the condition with human Crohn’s disease.

Methods
The study involved a retrospective review of clinical records of ten dogs diagnosed histopathologically with FLL. Diagnostic evaluations included haematology, biochemistry, faecal analysis, abdominal ultrasound, and endoscopic biopsies. Histological samples were subjected to special stains (PAS, silver, Ziehl-Neelsen) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect bacterial or fungal involvement. Surgical resection was performed, followed by post-operative medical management.

Results

-Clinical Presentation: All ten dogs exhibited chronic diarrhea, and five had concurrent vomiting. Most were small breeds, predominantly French Bulldogs. Clinical signs persisted for a median duration of 9 months.

-Diagnostics: Common findings included hypoalbuminemia (6/10), hypocobalaminaemia (4/6), and thickened distal ileum on ultrasound. Endoscopic abnormalities were notable but hindered by stenosis.

-Histopathology: Resected lesions displayed transmural granulomatous inflammation with lipogranulomas centered on lymphatic vessels. PAS and other stains did not reveal any infectious agents. FISH identified bacteria in 2/10 cases, though their role appeared secondary.

-Treatment Outcomes: Surgical resection followed by metronidazole and immunosuppressive therapy led to remission in 8/10 cases (complete in 4, partial in 4). Two dogs deteriorated and were euthanized.

Limitations
The study was limited by its retrospective nature, small sample size, lack of standardized protocols for diagnosis and treatment, and incomplete long-term follow-up for some dogs. The absence of consistent findings regarding infectious agents limits conclusions about etiology.

Conclusions
FLL is a rare and severe form of canine IBD with a distinct predilection for the ileum. While the pathogenesis remains unclear, surgical resection combined with medical therapy shows promise in managing the condition. The findings highlight similarities to Crohn’s disease but also underscore key pathological distinctions, particularly the sparing of the mucosa in FLL.

Disclaimer: The summary generated in this email was created by an AI large language model. Therefore errors may occur. Reading the article is the best way to understand the scholarly work. The figure presented here remains the property of the publisher or author and subject to the applicable copyright agreement. It is reproduced here as an educational work. If you have any questions or concerns about the work presented here, reply to this email.