This installment is difficult to report, as the news is not good. After fighting the bone infection for a month, we took Lewis to Ohio State in hopes that hospitalization and more aggressive treatment might help him. Their initial radiograph shocked us by showing that the majority of the femur was now badly infected. The plate appears to be the only thing holding the leg together. Lewis seems to feel good and walks quite well, so this extensive damage was unexpected. Lewis will undergo surgery on Monday to determine the true extent of the infection. The doctors feel that Lewis will indeed need a miracle to save the leg. Lewis’ very life is in the balance, and we deeply appreciate all the thoughts and prayers of those of you have written to offer your support for our gentle, brave companion.
fred
Lewis in Temporary Stall in our Garage
For the past month, Lewis has been on rotating antibiotics to combat a bone infection. Persistent snow coverage and cold weather has curtailed his outside walks. Confined to his stall, visits from other llamas and attention from us does not replace his previous freedom of the pasture. He knows our attention often includes needles (twice daily) and sometimes painful treatment of the incision. He still has the infection, although he is walking well on the days when we have been able to get him outside. The lingering snow has hidden the winter grass in all but a few places, which we have sought out to provide Lewis a welcome treat. We continue to support him and he keeps fighting, although his illness seems to be lasting as long as the cold winter weather. We keep praying to see a turn-around soon.
We have been kept in suspense all day, however we finally linked up with Dr. Silveira this afternoon. Lewis did not have surgery today, as they took more radiographs and discussed his prognosis with other doctors at OSU. The good news is that there may be more good bone there than the original x-ray showed. However, the chance of saving the leg is still slim. The doctor feels we have a chance and will do surgery tomorrow to clean up the infection. Lewis is still eating well and seems to be feeling well over the course of the weekend. We are hoping and praying that the doctors can indeed work a miracle for Lewis. We are praying for him!