Lymphorrhea

Lymphorrhea (when it is a complication of lymphatic disease) presents as clear, watery liquid exuding from the skin of the affected limbs. Despite it’s benign appearance, lymphorrhea is a sign of severely compromised lymphatics, where the lymph backflows through the vessels and skin. It should be treated as an emergency because it can lead to hypoproteinaemia, as the protein-rich fluid seeps out. Nutritional blood panel of the patient should be monitored carefully. If the liquid is cloudy or yellow that would indicate infection too (and this would make bandaging a no-go due to the risks associated with infection swelling).

For lymphorrhea that is not infected, medically-correct compression can be utilisted in the form of Multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging. The bandages will likely need changing often to prevent wetness against the skin. Prophylactic antibiotics should be considered.

In the absence of enough information about lymphorrhea in equines, this link about the same issue in humans may be useful.