Thomas Spillmann

Thomas Spillmann is Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at the Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki. He has served in this position since 2005 after previously working as Hill's professor of gastroenterology and clinical nutrition at the School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (2004-2005) and as a research fellow at the University of Helsinki (2002-2004). Dr. Spillmann is a Diplomate of the European College of Small Animal Internal Medicine (ECVIM-CA), certified in 2009, and leads the Finnish Small Animal Gastroenterology research group FIN-SAGAS.

Dr. Spillmann received his veterinary degree from the University of Leipzig in 1990 and completed his doctoral degree at Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen in 1995. He became a specialist in veterinary internal medicine (German degree) in 1996 and completed his habilitation on laboratory diagnosis and imaging of canine pancreatic diseases in 2002. His educational background demonstrates a strong foundation in both clinical practice and academic research.

Dr. Spillmann's primary research interests focus on small animal gastroenterology, particularly canine chronic enteropathies, endoscopic techniques, and pancreatic diseases. His work encompasses diagnostic methodologies, biomarker identification, and therapeutic interventions for gastrointestinal disorders in companion animals. He has made significant contributions to understanding the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease, fecal microbiota transplantation, and advanced imaging techniques for the hepatobiliary system.

His scientific work reveals a consistent focus on translational veterinary medicine, bridging clinical observations with laboratory investigations to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for small animal patients. Dr. Spillmann's research particularly emphasizes non-invasive diagnostic methods, microbiome interactions, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches for complex gastrointestinal conditions.

Among his notable achievements are the Best publication award from the Finnish Veterinary Journal (2018) and the Paatsama lecturer award (2023). He has also received the Eläinlääkäripäivien Posterinäyttelyn Ensimmäinen palkinto for his work on tylosin treatment for canine diarrhea.

Dr. Spillmann has supervised numerous doctoral theses and serves as a supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Veterinary Medicine. His research collaborations span multiple institutions, and he has been involved in numerous research projects funded by organizations including Eläinlääketieteen tutkimuksen tukisäätiö and Suomen eläinlääketieteen säätiö. Current projects include investigations into canine gastric carcinoma, chromoendoscopy techniques, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

He maintains an active role in the veterinary scientific community through peer review activities, conference participation, and editorial contributions to veterinary journals. His laboratory is equipped with advanced endoscopic technology, hemodialysis systems, and laser equipment to support comprehensive clinical research in small animal internal medicine.