LYMPHORRHŒA. LYMPHORRHAGIA. DISCHARGE OF LYMPH THROUGH WOUNDS OR SORES.
Result of rupture of lymphatics. Milky, fatty lymph. Treatment, ligature, excision, cauterization, of little avail. Compression. Tonics.
Obstruction of a lymph duct may lead to rupture and the discharge of its fluid on the surface or into an internal cavity. Dr. Cayley records a case of fatal peritonitis in man from rupture of the receptaculum chyli, and the formation of lymph fistulæ has been attributed to filaria sanguinis hominis. We are aware of no corresponding case in connection with the blood parasites of the horse or dog. In the larger domestic animals the great thickness and resistance of the skin offers a barrier to the rupture of subcutaneous lymph vessels, but this no longer applies in case of a suppurating or ulcerous wound. The escaping lymph has often a milky hue from the admixture of fat, just as its escape in the kidneys causes chyluria, and in the bowel fatty stools. The escape is often very profuse and persistent, and results in marked debility. Ligature and excision of the fistulous vessel, also caustics—actual and potential, have been tried with rather poor success. Fitzer succeeded in an obstinate case by the extensive application of nitrate of silver and others by simple compression. As the victims are usually debilitated a course of tonics is usually desirable.