LYMPHANGIOMATOSIS OF THE PELVIC LIMB IN A MALTESE DOG

A case of lymphangiomatosis is described affecting the right pelvic li mb of an 18-month-old, female Maltese dog. A progressive swelling arou nd the stifle had developed subsequent to a routine tibial crest trans position. The swollen area eventually progressed to involve the entire limb circumferentially, to end abruptly in the mid-metatarsal region. The skin of the affected area was deep red in colour, devoid of hair, and had numerous large, thin-walled vesicles that were easily rupture d and from which a serosanguineous fluid exuded. The swelling pitted o n digital pressure and showed fluctuant mobility. The microscopic appe arance of biopsied and post mortem material mimicked that of lymphangi oma. However, the signalment, clinical presentation and histological f eatures are consistent with a diagnosis of the recently reported varia nt of human lymphangiomatosis, lymphangiomatosis of the limb.