PHILADELPHIA -- Dr. Gail Smith, professor of veterinary orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the prestigious Iams Saki Paatsama Award by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). The award is presented each year to a clinical researcher for excellence in the field of canine and feline orthopedic medicine and surgery. Dr. Smith received the award at the annual WSAVA meeting in Rhodes, Greece on October 9, 2004. This is the second time the award has been presented, and it is the first time it has been awarded to an American.

Dr. Smith serves as Chairman of the Department of Clinical Studies at the School. He has applied engineering principles to the study of veterinary orthopedic conditions of the knee, spine, and hip. His most well known contribution is the discovery and development of a new radiographic technique for the early diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia. This arthritic condition afflicts more than 50% of dogs within popular dog breeds, including Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherd dogs. Knowing whether a dog will get canine hip dysplasia later in life allows veterinarians to begin early mitigating or preventive treatments and gives breeders the option of not breeding it. The radiographic technique, called PennHIP^® (for University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) is used worldwide. Dr. Smith travels extensively to educate and train veterinarians and dog owners on the advantages and performance of this improved technology.