Mathijs Theelen

Dr. Mathijs Theelen is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Department of Equine Sciences. He serves as coordinator of the Foal Intensive Care Unit and Skills Lab, with clinical focus on equine neonatology, gastroenterology, and hepatology. His research explores antimicrobial resistance patterns in equine pathogens and the role of gut microbiome in horse health, conducted through collaborations with Utrecht University and University of California, Davis.

• Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine (Dipl. ECEIM)
• PhD candidate studying antimicrobial resistance and equine gut microbiome
• Active in veterinary education with Senior University Teaching Qualification

His research spans two primary areas: Antimicrobial Resistance in foal sepsis and Microbiome Dynamics in equine metabolic diseases. Publications reveal extensive work on bacterial susceptibility patterns, hospitalization effects on microbiota, and chronic iron overload pathogenesis in equids.

Scientific contributions include:

• Key Awards:
  • Best Oral Presentation - Equine Scientific Abstract (2011)
  • BEVA Equine Clinical Research Award (2015)
  • UU Short Stay PhD Fellowship (2015)
  • Xcellent Horse Insurance Award (2017)
• Teaching Roles:
  • Coordinator of Skills Lab
  • Course Coordinator Laboratory Animal Science (Horses & Donkeys)
  • Senior University Teaching Qualification holder