Congenital hereditary lymphedema in the pig.

A histopathological investigation was performed in newborn pigs with congenital hereditary lymphedema. The edema varied greatly in degree and extension. Although mostly confined to the hind legs it may involve other parts of the body, and even attain a most severe generalized distribution. It was found due to malformations of the lymphatic system which were general in character in all animals irrespective the grade in their edema. Parallel to the grade of edema however, these lymphvascular abnormalities varied from minor hypoplasia and localized aplasia to a complete agenesis of the whole lymphatic system.