Lymphangiectasia (CIL Canine Intestinal Lymphangiectasia) is a disease when the lymphatic vessels in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small intestines, and large intestines) dilate and become inflamed. This can result in the loss of protein through the intestines. It is common to be grouped with other diseases associated with malabsorption such as protein losing enteropathies (PLE). The lymphatic vessels help absorb fats from food. When the vessels are dilated and under pressure, they can rupture and the lymph, cells, fats, and proteins inside them will be lost. Often dogs with lymphangiectasia will also be diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). It is not clear if one occurs before the other or that both are a result of the same disease process. The disease usually appears in middle age dogs, but of course can be seen in older or younger dogs. Yorkies are the most common breed diagnosed with this condition although it can also be found in soft-coated wheaten terriers, basenji, shar-peis, and rottweilers.
Your pet might experience the following symptoms: vomiting, chronic diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, excessive gas and difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup in the chest. Pets with lymphangiectasia may also have been diagnosed with PLE as the symptoms can be similar. The protocol that has worked successfully to help these pets from a holistic perspective is to reduce the inflammation in the pet's intestinal tract along with using supplements that support digestive health. Typically pets that develop these conditions, have severe food allergies so it is important to learn about the foods such as poultry which might have set off the condition in the first place. Ask Ariel details the foods to avoid in the attached link.
Diet changes and supplements can help. Pets with CIL and PLE can benefit from a high protein, low fat, novel protein diet. For some pets, adding medium chain triglycerides (MCT) e.g. coconut oil is helpful but be cautious as some pets, especially yorkies are highly prone to pancreatitis. Please include your pet's current diet on the order form at checkout and we will include a diet tip on the packing slip.
The following supplements are helpful for these conditions:
Immune Harmony contains natural plant sterols that support pets with autoimmune conditions and inflammation. The majority of a pet's immune system resides in the intestinal tract so using this natural supplement helps modulate and balance your pet's autoimmune hyperactivity.
Liver Support Kit Contains three gentle formulas to support digestion, reduce fluid swelling in the abdomen, improve fat absorption and discomfort. Power Probiotic, Lypozyme and Liver & Gallbladder Support. Since the liver is integrally related to digestion, it's important to use the Liver and Gallbladder Support formula which has been shown to help reduce ascites (swelling in the abdomen). Lypozyme contains enzymes especially contains enzymes that help break down fats making it especially helpful for pets with pancreatitis and CIL (Canine Intestinal Lymphangiectasia). This Kit should also be combined with K9 Digestive Enzymes if your pet is experiencing malabsorption.
K9 Digestive Enzymes This is the master remedy for malabsorption. Contains pancreatin and HCL along with powerful enzymes to break down and help your pet absorb protein and fats.
Power Probiotic This pure, safe and natural multi-strain formula can be purchased by itself or in a package in the Liver Support Kit. Power Probiotic is pure, safe, natural and contains no fillers. It replenishes your pet with friendly bacteria which are often deficient in pets with digestive conditions such as Lymphangiectasia, IBD and PLE.
Gastro ULC Many pets with digestive conditions are reluctant to eat or experience symptoms of acid reflux which include hunching over after eating, gulping sounds, vomiting and inappetance. Gastro ULC coats the stomach and relieves the pain associated with tummy aches and reflux.
Soothing Digestive Relief This natural herbal remedy helps relieve gas, pain and indigestion with soothing gentle ingredients to support the stomach and overall GI tract. It works well combined with the Gastro ULC and Liver Support Kit.
There is hope. There is help. Ask Ariel has been a leader in helping pets with digestive disorders and autoimmune conditions since 2005. Our products were used by nutritionist Susan Blake Davis in a hospital setting along with several veterinarians at VCA hospitals for over 10 years with much success. Ask Ariel products are recommended by veterinarians nationwide. If your pet needs help, please visit AskAriel.com or email us at support@askariel.com Please know we cannot provide individualized consultative advice, but we can provide links to articles and answer questions about the products so you can work with your veterinarian to make an informed decision.
The following supplements are helpful for these conditions:
Immune Harmony contains natural plant sterols that support pets with autoimmune conditions and inflammation. The majority of a pet's immune system resides in the intestinal tract so using this natural supplement helps modulate and balance your pet's autoimmune hyperactivity.
Liver Support Kit Contains three gentle formulas to support digestion, reduce fluid swelling in the abdomen, improve fat absorption and discomfort. Power Probiotic, Lypozyme and Liver & Gallbladder Support. Since the liver is integrally related to digestion, it's important to use the Liver and Gallbladder Support formula which has been shown to help reduce ascites (swelling in the abdomen). Lypozyme contains enzymes especially contains enzymes that help break down fats making it especially helpful for pets with pancreatitis and CIL (Canine Intestinal Lymphangiectasia). This Kit should also be combined with K9 Digestive Enzymes if your pet is experiencing malabsorption.
K9 Digestive Enzymes This is the master remedy for malabsorption. Contains pancreatin and HCL along with powerful enzymes to break down and help your pet absorb protein and fats.
Power Probiotic This pure, safe and natural multi-strain formula can be purchased by itself or in a package in the Liver Support Kit. Power Probiotic is pure, safe, natural and contains no fillers. It replenishes your pet with friendly bacteria which are often deficient in pets with digestive conditions such as Lymphangiectasia, IBD and PLE.
Gastro ULC Many pets with digestive conditions are reluctant to eat or experience symptoms of acid reflux which include hunching over after eating, gulping sounds, vomiting and inappetance. Gastro ULC coats the stomach and relieves the pain associated with tummy aches and reflux.
Soothing Digestive Relief This natural herbal remedy helps relieve gas, pain and indigestion with soothing gentle ingredients to support the stomach and overall GI tract. It works well combined with the Gastro ULC and Liver Support Kit.
There is hope. There is help. Ask Ariel has been a leader in helping pets with digestive disorders and autoimmune conditions since 2005. Our products were used by nutritionist Susan Blake Davis in a hospital setting along with several veterinarians at VCA hospitals for over 10 years with much success. Ask Ariel products are recommended by veterinarians nationwide. If your pet needs help, please visit AskAriel.com or email us at support@askariel.com Please know we cannot provide individualized consultative advice, but we can provide links to articles and answer questions about the products so you can work with your veterinarian to make an informed decision.