Howell Animal Hospital

04/24/2026

It's the final day of Veterinary Reception Week and for our finale we are recognizing our office manager Sarah Renton who has worked at the clinic for 33 years! Our clinic would not be able to operate without her. Thanks for your hard work, Sarah!

Fun fact: Sarah enjoys quilting and has made some beautiful baby quilts for staff babies!

04/23/2026

It's the fourth day of Veterinary Reception Week. You all likely have met Alane! She has been with us for 21 years if you can believe it. We are so thankful for her cheerful, compassionate spirit.

Fun fact: Alane is the reason why the plants in our clinic have survived so long!

04/22/2026

It's the third day of Veterinary Reception Week! Liz is well known and loved and can be recognized by her beautiful smile. She has been on our team for 12 years!!

Fun fact: Liz loves the group New Kids On The Block and even got to meet both her celebrity crushes Donny and Jordan in 2024!

04/21/2026

To celebrate the second day of Veterinary Reception Week, we are celebrating Holly who has been with our team for 2 years. She has 24 years of experience in the veterinary field - that's how much she loves animals! Thanks for all you do, Holly!

Fun fact: Holly is still a licensed technician and has a background in dermatology and emergency medicine.

04/20/2026

Happy Veterinary Reception Week, where we remember and thank our first line of communication between our wonderful clients and veterinarians! We are kicking it off by welcoming our newest receptionist, Carol, who joined our team in March. We are so glad to have you as part of the team!

Fun fact: Carol has two grown children, a grandson, and still has one child at home - her Cocker Spaniel!

04/14/2026

04/13/2026

Hands on learning this Saturday at MSU

03/26/2026

We are excited to announce that Pro-Stride is a regenerative medicine therapy that we now have available at the clinic! We use it to help promote healing and manage pain and inflammation related to lameness. Please reach out to our office if you would like to learn more about Pro-Stride.

03/05/2026

Despite the icky weather outside, spring is just around the corner and it's time for your horse's spring vaccines! Call our office to make sure your horse receives the protection it needs at (517) 546-1340.

03/04/2026

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IT'S MUD SEASON! 🌧️ DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAUSES A HOOF ABSCESS?

The scenario is all too familiar for many horse owners: yesterday your horse was sound, but today you find him three-legged lame, with no apparent injury. What could have happened? Well, you say, my horse is likely working on a foot abscess. But what does that actually mean?

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.

The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

12/27/2025

Veterinary Receptionist Position Open!

Do you have a passion for animals, but also like talking with their human companions? If so, consider joining our team as a veterinary receptionist!
We are currently looking for an energetic, compassionate, organized individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys being the first point of contact for our clients and their pets.

Job description:
Howell Animal Hospital is a full service practice with six veterinarians servicing dog, cats, and equines. We are currently searching for a part or full time receptionist, and are looking for someone with a flexible schedule who can work one or two Saturdays per month as well.
In this position you will be:
- Answering phones
- Scheduling appointments
- Filling medications
- Taking questions from owners, and providing feedback from the veterinarians
- Checking in and out appointments
- Making detailed medical notes of client communications
- Processing payments

Veterinary experience is preferred but we are willing to train the right individual!

12/16/2025

Just like your veterinarian may palpate your horse’s tendons during a lameness exam, they may also palpate the inside of your horse’s mouth during an oral exam. However, that doesn’t mean the lameness exam is finished and the teeth aren’t any different! To achieve good visualization, some form of the following tools is needed:

Sedation – helps relax your horse and quiet their tongue

Head support – headstand, dental halter, dental ring, etc.

Bright light source – headlamp or speculum light

Mirror or oral scope – necessary to see all aspects of the teeth and gingiva

If you have questions about your equine's oral health or would like to schedule a dental exam, contact your horse doctor.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.