A LEADING British comedian has spoken of his gratitude after Suffolk vets saved the sight of his beloved pooch.Paul O'Grady's shi-tzu dog Buster was brought in to Newmarket's Animal Health Trust after vets feared he could lose his eyesight as a result of a “melting ulcer”, a serious condition that demanded urgent attention.

A LEADING British comedian has spoken of his gratitude after Suffolk vets saved the sight of his beloved pooch.

Paul O'Grady's shi-tzu dog Buster was brought in to Newmarket's Animal Health Trust after vets feared he could lose his eyesight as a result of a “melting ulcer”, a serious condition that demanded urgent attention.

Buster, who has made frequent appearances on the popular Paul O'Grady Show, was wheeled into the Newmarket clinic at the end of September and intensive medical treatment got underway immediately

In order to save his eye, Buster was given antibiotic drops every two hours for days on end to stop the melting of his corneal tissues and to bring the infection under control.

This type of treatment can only be given where a dedicated nursing and clinical team are in place around the clock.

Three days later Jane Sansom, head of the trust's unit of comparative ophthalmology, decided there was no other option than surgery.

The specialist surgical team anaesthetised Buster and grafted a patch of conjunctiva over his eye to prevent it from rupturing.

Speaking yesterday, ophthalmic nurse Sarah Gray said: “He may be a celebrity but he was the perfect patient.

“He was always so pleased to see everyone and seemed to quite enjoy his stay with us. He is such a character and we were all delighted that we were able to treat him so successfully”.

Buster was kept at the trust for a further two weeks. Yesterday, Buster was discharged into the caring arms of his owner, Mr O'Grady, who shot to fame as his alter ego Lily Savage.

Mr O'Grady, 51, who collected Buster in person, said: “It's been so difficult not having him around. But it was a great comfort knowing that he was in such good hands.

“The work that the trust does is fantastic and I am so grateful for them for saving Buster's sight.”

Buster will need regular check-ups to ensure that the eye continues to heal.

The graft will then be adjusted so that it reduces in size to give Buster the best possible chance of normal vision.

This summer Mr O'Grady suffered a major heart attack - the second in just over four years - but is now back on the screen with his Channel 4 show.

n Those interested in helping the trust with its work can contact the fundraising department on 01638 555648.