Lewis underwent surgery today, which Dr. Silveira has reported to have gone well. They did not find the bone to be in any worse shape than the radiographs had predicted, much to our relief. The doctor removed a screw, some wire, did extensive debridement of the infected bone, and drained the large abscessed area. The plate is still holding at both ends of the femur and providing support. Lewis this afternoon is in his stall recovering and able to stand, putting some weight on the leg. Extensive follow up will now be done to keep the wound flushed and antibiotics to treat the infection. The next few days are critical to determine if the infection can be overcome. There is a risk that the bone could break in its weakened state. Fortunately, there were no splinters or fractures of the femur, so healing appears to have occurred before the infection set in.Again thank you to everyone who is keeping up on Lewis’ recovery; we truly feel your thoughts and prayers are what are making the difference! We continue to pray for guidance to the doctors and surgeons and Lewis’ own resilience to keep fighting his way back to health!

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.