International Canine Health Awards
The International Canine Health Awards have been presented to two international medical experts and one UK vet student, for their groundbreaking work in the field of inherited diseases.
Dr Gustavo Aguirre, a world-leading professor of medical genetics and ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, received the International Prize in Canine health.
He received the award particularly in recognition of improving ophthalmology treatment for both dogs and humans, and his advancement of research into canine eye diseases.
In his time, Dr Aguirre has identified more than 14 different retinal disease genes and he led the first ever team to restore vision in blind dogs using gene therapy.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was received by the world's foremost authority in canine genomics, American scientist Dr Elaine Ostrander.
Dr Ostrander is chief of cancer genetics, head of comparative genetics and distinguished investigator at the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Maryland.
She is largely responsible for dramatic advances in the understanding of both mammalian genomics and the genetic basis of cancer susceptibility.
Recipient of the Student Inspiration Award, Emily Milodowski, is currently taking a year out to study for a BSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. She has previously worked on the prevalence and distribution of certain bacteria in the canine intestine.
Ms Milodiowski, of Bristol University, has been awarded £10,000 towards funding her future work in wound healing.
The awards ceremony took place at Crufts 2013.
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
