Monthly Archives: March 2001

Surgery and After

Posted on by December 25, 2007

Surgery and AfterLewis has had his first day of recovery after surgery on March 28. He is reported in good spirits and eating, as well as standing. However his exercise will have to be limited due to the fear of putting too much stress on the fracture at this time.

The good news after the surgery was that it went well, with Dr. Silveira debriding considerable dead bone and tissue. He also removed the plate and all the screws, so these will not be able to cause any future problems or infection. An external fixator now supports the leg instead of the bone plate. The fixator can be much more easily removed once it is no longer needed. The bone was packed with antibiotic “beads” and a drain installed for twice daily flushing to prevent further infection. The doctor is optimistic that he has achieved the intended clean up of the bone and surrounding tissue.

The bad news is that the bone callous was not sufficient to supply any support for the leg. Considerable dead tissue was removed, so that the leg is essential broken again. Lewis’ two greatest risks at this time are that the leg could collapse, or that he could become depressed and stop eating. Since everyone is reluctant to take him for his daily walks outdoors, depression is a real danger. However, exercise could stress the leg beyond what it might be able to handle. What a dilemma!

Lewis’ previous stall mate, the beautiful female alpaca on loan from the university research program, is due to have a baby! Lewis now has another buddy, a male alpaca, who is keeping him company.

We appreciate the emails and calls we have received about Lewis. Your prayers are needed more than ever now, as Lewis’ prognosis is guarded until significant bone growth can occur to support the leg safely. The staff at OSU continues to take the best of care of him, and they try to keep his spirits up during this long ordeal. We thank everyone more than you can know!

A Visit and a Walk

Posted on by January 22, 2013
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Lewis goes for a walk and munches on the grass

We visited Lewis Friday afternoon, and were able to image walk him out on the lawn outside the facility for some sunshine and grass. The winter has been long in the Midwest this year and the grass is just starting to green up and the air get comfortable. It is hard to believe Lewis has been at OSU for two whole months! He underwent some depression during the past few weeks that was relieved by daily walks outside. He seemed pretty bright and although a little quiet, considering what he has been through, it is obvious that the special care he is receiving is keeping him in the fight back to health.

Dr. Silveira feels the radiographs show enough recovery of bone callous to make him able to tolerate the next surgery and debridement of last infected tissue. If he removes the bone plate, he will install an external fixator to stabilize the leg. Dr. Silveira will be making these judgment calls once he begins surgery and can see the current status of the bone. For the long term, the bone plate should come out, but whether this is the time to do that will be determined during surgery.

Surgery is slated for next Tuesday. Our prayers are with Lewis and with Dr. Silveira to guide him. Lewis will still have a long recovery ahead but perhaps this will be the last surgery, and he can begin a more speedy recovery after this!