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Benji Faces Emergency Surgery
Benji Faces Emergency Surgery
The Canine Star of New Film to Be Hospitalized in Chicago
July 31, 2004
Benji, the floppy-eared star of the new soon-to-be released
major motion picture "Benji Off the Leash", will
be hospitalized at a Chicago area veterinary clinic in order
to undergo emergency surgery, producer Joe Camp announced
today.
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| One of the original promotional photos
for "Benji - Off the Leash!" |
The lovable, three-year-old mutt will be placed under general
anesthesia so that doctors can repair a detached retina --
a complication from cataract surgery Benji underwent on June
27.
"It's not unusual for a dog to develop a cataract," said
Dr. Tony Basher, a San Diego-based veterinary ophthalmologist
who checked Benji and provided consultation for the surgery.
"What is unusual was that it happened very quickly, developed
into an infection, causing damage to and detachment of the
retina."
Camp turned for help to Dr. Sam Vainisi of Eye Care For Animals
in suburban Chicago -- the top expert in the country for treating
veterinary eye problems. Dr. Vainisi has been a pioneer in
developing techniques for retinal detachment surgery in animals
and is one of only a handful of doctors nationally who regularly
perform the procedure on pets.
Dr. Vainisi will perform the surgery at his clinic on Tuesday
morning and if all goes well, Benji could be released late
Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Experts say in a worst-case
scenario, the popular dog could lose her eyesight in the affected
eye.
Benji's big brown eyes have been the trademark of one of
the most cherished characters in movie history. The new Benji
was adopted from a shelter in Gulfport, MS, after a search
in shelters all across the nation. The original Benji was
from a shelter and caused over a million adoptions according
to the American Humane.
Parents who grew up watching Benji become the world's most
huggable hero, will now be able to introduce their children
to the lovable mutt who still inspires love, hope, and perseverance
-- traits Benji may need as she overcomes the risks of complicated
surgery. The surgery interrupts a promotional tour for the
new movie. "Benji Off the Leash" opens in theaters
across the nation on August 20.
For more information about Benji visit http://www.Benji.com.
Source: press release
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