Dog to Undergo Sight-Restoring Surgery

Buffy the pup may see her devoted owners again by week's end.

The 11-year-old Maltese will undergo the first ever retinal reattachment surgery in Western Australia this Friday at a private veterinary clinic in Mt. Lawley.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Dimitri Yellachich, his assistant Denise Lomax and veterinary surgeons Robert Harris and Trevor Pavey will re-attach Buffy's retinas during the operation, which could take anywhere from one to five hours. When it's done, Buffy should be able to see again.

"Buffy is a lovely little dog," Dr. Yellachich told Paw Nation. "We are going to do everything we can to make sure the operation is a success."

Not only is this the first surgery of its kind for Western Australia -- it won't cost Buffy's owners a dime.

"I have called upon good will," said Dr. Yellachich. "All the equipment and consumables for this surgery are loaned or donated. It's all coming from the private sector. No Medicare, no public hospital resources will be used." And in keeping with the spirit, the medical professionals and vets have also forgone their fees. "The operation will take place in a private veterinary clinic on our own time," Yellachich said.

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The doctors hope media coverage of Buffy's surgery will raise awareness and donations for the eye clinic at Australia's Fremantle Hospital and local animal charities.

According to Australia's Sunday Times, two years ago, Buffy was diagnosed with diabetes. Last year she also underwent cataract surgery to improve her vision, but lost her site due to complications.

"I was forced into retirement because I couldn't let a blind dog be alone," Pamela Hollier told Paw Nation, speaking by phone.

The former real estate and her husband John take Buffy to the vet twice a day for injections to control her diabetes. "I ride my bike 3-kilometers every day to get the needle in the morning," she said.

Dr. Yellachich, who was involved in the first retinal detachment surgery on a dog in the UK in 2005, hopes to soon bring relief to the Hollier family. "My commitment and dedication to do the surgery is the same as if I were to operate on a human," said Dr. Yellachich.

While there are no guarantees, the team expects Buffy will make a speedy recovery and soon see the world quite differently.

"At the moment Buffy is blind, so we can only help."

Mrs. Hollier said she's nervous but optimistic. "I need to stay positive for my baby."

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