RESEARCH THEMES

Key clinical and fundamental domains in animal health with a special focus on the origin and prevention of animal diseases; reference data of health parameters; screening and diagnostics of medical conditions; and application of treatment and prevention strategies

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinating and contributing to research projects related to animal health within ZOO Antwerp and ZOO Planckendael, as well as within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria EAZA.
• Assisting in the medical care of animals at ZOO Antwerp and ZOO Planckendael.
• Providing training on key veterinary topics in both ex-situ and in-situ conservation.
• Compiling and managing medical reference materials to support veterinary research and care.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Clinical physiology and fundamental pathophysiology
• Internal diseases and cardiovascular disorders
• Metabolic and nutritional processes
• Special focus on felines and great apes

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

In 2020, I graduated as a veterinarian from Ghent University and subsequently began my PhD at the same university. Alongside my research, I remained active in practical veterinary medicine at the small animal clinic of Ghent University, a primary care practice, and at ZOO Antwerp and ZOO Planckendael. In 2025, I completed my PhD and began working as a veterinary scientist at the Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and Conservation. My passion for the diversity of the animal kingdom drives everything I do. As a zoo and wildlife veterinarian and researcher, I focus on applying science-based strategies to improve the health and welfare of animals. I enjoy collaborating with academic institutions and am a strong advocate for cooperation between zoos. I particularly enjoy sharing my work and passion at conferences and symposia.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV)
• American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)
• Associate Researcher at Ghent University / Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• LinkingLynx Health Work Group

KEY PUBLICATIONS

Van Mulders, L., Vanden Broecke, E., De Paepe, E., Mortier, F., Vanhaecke, L., & Daminet, S. (2025). Metabolomics reveals alterations in gut-derived uremic toxins and tryptophan metabolism in feline chronic kidney disease. Veterinary Quarterly, 45(1), 1-15.

Van Mulders, L., Locquet, L., Kaandorp, C., & Janssens, G. P. (2024). An overview of nutritional factors in the etiopathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis in great apes. Nutrition Research Reviews, 1-16.

Van Mulders, L., Vanden Broecke, E., De Paepe, E., Mortier, F., Vanhaecke, L., & Daminet, S. (2025). Alterations in gut-derived uremic toxins before the onset of azotemic chronic kidney disease in cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 39(1), e17289.

Van Mulders, L., Vanhaecke, L., Locquet, L., Spruyt, J., Vercammen, F., Skotarek, M., Quievy, A., Smets, P., Daminet, S. (2025). Gut-Derived Uremic Toxicity in Lions (Panthera Leo) with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A Potential Therapeutic Target. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, DOI: 10.1638/2024-0094

Vanden Broecke, E., Van Mulders, L., De Paepe, E., Daminet, S., & Vanhaecke, L. (2024). Optimization and validation of metabolomics methods for feline urine and serum towards application in veterinary medicine. Analytica Chimica Acta, 1310, 342694.

Vanden Broecke, E., Van Mulders, L., De Paepe, E., Paepe, D., Daminet, S., & Vanhaecke, L. (2025). Early detection of feline chronic kidney disease via 3- hydroxykynurenine and machine learning. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 6875 Lynx Health Protocols (clinical examination, cardiology, and anaesthesia): https://www.linking-lynx.org/en/publications/linking-lynx-protocols