Dr. H.S. (Hedwig) Kruitwagen

Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine of Companion Animals

Hedwig Kruitwagen is a veterinarian with special expertise in companion animal medicine. Her main interest lies in the field of hepatology. This interest was raised during her studies, when she did a two year research project on developing a new therapeutic strategy for canine liver disease. After graduating in July 2010 she briefly worked as a clinician in private practice. She then joined the research lab of the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals as a PhD candidate. On the 14th of December 2017 she defended her PhD thesis entitled: 'Growth factors and hepatic progenitor cells in liver regeneration - translating bench to bedside.' She now works as a postdoc with a primary focus on adult liver stem cell transplantations in dogs with metabolic liver disease.

EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine

The ‘European Board of Veterinary Specialisation’ (EBVS®) is responsible for the training, examination, and accreditation of veterinary specialists in Europe. An EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist has completed a three-year postgraduate program followed by an examination after studying Veterinary Medicine. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine employs EBVS specialists from various fields. Additionally, the faculty is a recognized training institute for various specializations. This is how we contribute to high-quality patient care.


immunofluorescent staining of proliferating liver progenitor cells