We visited Lewis and went over the latest radiographs with Dr. Silveira. The doctor is encouraged that there is at least some noticeable bone growth and his infection seems to be under control. However a piece of dead bone will need to be surgically removed. As he had discussed with us earlier, this will have to wait several weeks until more growth makes the bone strong enough to operate on with some degree of safety. He also would like to remove the plate at some point, as another screw has broken. Once the bone has recovered fully, the plate will no longer be needed and will become a liability. For now, it is still what is holding the leg together.Lewis continues to eat well, and will walk on the leg when he needs to. He had an opportunity to come home while we await the next evaluation. However, we felt that since the wound still needed daily flushing, and his condition was still guarded, that he was best left at the hospital under close care of trained professionals and staff. We reluctantly left Lewis, knowing he would have enjoyed a respite from the stall confinement, but feared the danger in moving him several hours in our van and caring for him at home were potentially more risky than leaving him in his safe environment. As long as he continues to cope with his situation, we feel he is better off there. We miss him and hope that he can continue to improve to the point where perhaps in a few more weeks, we can bring him home for good!
The latest progress report is that Lewis is running a bit of fever, and is on more antibiotics. The discharge from the wound is clearing, and he is using the leg. However, radiographs from earlier in the week did not show any appreciable bone re-growth. Some dead bone and another broken screw will need to be removed, but due to the possibility that the leg could still break, surgery for this will have to wait.We are now praying that Lewis can keep fighting, and begin to see some bone re-growth. Once enough bone replacement has occurred, further debridement of the dead tissue will be required to completely clear the infection. We hope he can keep holding on during this painfully slow recovery.
It has been nearly five years since Lewis’ fateful injury. Lewis continues to do very well. Like his handlers he has grown over his target weight, but he continues to inspire and amaze us with his zest for living and his ability to overcome his disability (blindness).Lewis is always the first to greet new visitors to our farm–often demanding a back scratch before they can proceed to visit the rest of the llamas.
Eventhough Lewis has his own barn and stall, he still insists on spending most of his time on the main barn porch–the area where he was allowed to recuperate after he returned from OSU. While we would like to keep the cleanup away from the main entrance, we just don’t have the heart to lock Lewis out of this familiar turf.
Lewis is still hanging tough, with antibiotics and flushing of the wound. His appetite is still good and although he is quiet, he did “answer” us and seemed happy to recognize us. He also seems to sense the direction of “home” when we walked him briefly. Dr. Silveira gave us encouraging words about the nature of the drainage, and feels maybe they are getting the infection under control. We are hoping that each passing day is bringing some increased bone replacement, although radiographs will have to wait awhile before they show the actual status.We were happy to say hello to Dr. Toni Cotton, who’s visit at OSU coincided with ours. She was going to also stop in and see Lewis while she was there to see how her famous patient was progressing. It has been through the skill and dedication of these veterinarians that Lewis has had a chance to overcome this terrible ordeal.
We were able to visit Lewis Saturday at the OSU veterinary hospital. Lewis had succumbed to depression and loss of appetite over the last couple of days, and the staff brought Lewis an alpaca buddy from their research program to keep him company. Having another camelid friend in the stall definitely perked Lewis’ spirits. 
When we visited he was alert and eating well. After his wound was flushed and he received his antibiotics, we were able to take a short walk down the hallway. Lewis was interested in the occupants of the other stalls, and seemed more than happy to continue down the hall; perhaps to where he hoped the van waited to take him home! He reluctantly returned to his stall, where he was fed and we shared lots of hugs and back scratches. He seemed happy and we are thankful that the staff at OSU has made his stay there welcome and comfortable; and especially for his new friend!
Lewis gets a hug during our visit at OSU
Antibiotic therapy and daily flushing will continue on Lewis and his progress closely monitored. Dr. Silveira is assisted by a team of veterinary students that have been giving Lewis the same special care that they would share with their own beloved pets. We hope he can keep his spirits up through all of this, and we know that their attention and care is a huge part of Lewis’ recovery.
Again we thank everyone keeping up on the internet for their supporting thoughts, emails and prayers!
