MAX, the one winged wonder

Max is a 20+ year old blue and gold macaw who was taken out of the wild fifteen years ago. In the course of his capture, Max's left wing was severely damaged. It did heal, but at an awkward 45° angle. This kept him off balance, causing many a fall, and each time he fell he would re-injure his bad wing.

Dr. Stevenson first met Max on an emergency after just such a fall. Max was bleeding, in pain and infection in the wing was a concern. She worked on Max's wing for many months, trying everything she could to control the infection and protect his wing from further injury.

Finally she advised his owner that Max's best chance for a healthy life was to amputate his wing. The surgery was a long and difficult one. The explosive injuries to Max's wing altered his anatomy so that nothing was were it was supposed to be. This was in the days before laser surgery was available, so each blood vessel had to be carefully searched for, then painstakingly tied off before proceeding on to the next one.

Max was in intensive care for many days after the surgery. At first he was so weak he could barely stand, but each day brought improvement until he recovered completely and was able to go home to his human family.

Once recovered, Max has never missed a beat. He cannot fly of course, but he climbs, flaps, and hangs by one toe as he does it without pain or accident.

Twelve years later, Max and his family continue to thank Dr Stevenson for his healthy and happy life.