Howell Animal Hospital

12/10/2025

Happy Vet Tech week to our amazing technicians!!!

02/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17Tuu5HmXX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

IT'S MYTHBUSTERS TIME! 🔎

As we know, our equine companions can be quite accident-prone. Injuries can vary in severity from small surface cuts that can be managed at home to deep wounds that require sutures that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

As a horse owner, it's inevitable that your equine will sustain several less severe wounds throughout the course of its life, and you may be tempted to clean these wounds with products such as hydrogen peroxide in an effort to prevent infection. However, hydrogen peroxide may cause more harm than good to the healing process.

The truth is that hydrogen peroxide is much too aggressive and toxic to the fibroblasts and other healthy cells that aid in wound healing. Therefore, the use of hydrogen peroxide can actually delay wound healing. In addition, its use can be quite painful when being applied to the wound site.

Instead, it's important to use an isotonic solution (similar in pH to the fluids of the body). Ideally this solution will be warmed to limit the amount of constriction of the blood vessels. If you're in a bind and the wound is grossly contaminated, clean tap water is acceptable to clean the injury site but be sure to use gentle water pressure.

Overall, be sure to approach wound care and cleaning with caution so that you do not unintentionally worsen the injury or slow the healing process. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, concentrated antiseptics like Betadine or chlorhexidine that have not yet been diluted, or high pressure when applying water or cleansing agents.

If you have questions or concerns about wound care or are unsure if a wound needs veterinary intervention, contact your veterinarian.

26/06/2025

Recently Dr. Renton and Dr. Fischer had gastroscope training at Hardy Farms. Thank you to Hardy Farms, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridget, and Dr. Pribyl for making that possible!

Gastroscopy is very important for equine cases with suspected ulcers, poor performance, decreased appetite, decreased weight, on and off loose manure, and behavioral issues.

05/06/2025

Attention horse lovers!

If you are an experienced horse handler and are interested in a job where you can help these wonderful animals feel better, consider joining our equine team as a vet assistant! We are looking for full time and part time help.

To apply, tell us a little about yourself and send your resume to [email protected].

07/03/2025

Boujee, one of our young patients, has been battling a tooth root infection for several months. Despite aggressive medical management, the infection continued to recur. For Boujee's long term comfort, a tooth extraction was needed. She was patient and cooperative through the procedure, resulting in smooth removal of a very large tooth. She is now on the road to recovery. We would like to extend a special thanks to Jessica, Boujee's owner, for sponsoring the purchase of additional dental extraction tools!

20/02/2025

Exciting news! We are now offering on-the-farm gastroscopes to diagnose stomach ulcers. Ulcers are a common cause of discomfort, girthiness, performance problems, and behavioral abnormalities.
But did you know that horses can develop ulcers in different parts of their stomach? And current treatment recommendations are different, depending on which area is affected. If you are suspicious of stomach ulcers, a gastroscope is the best way to identify the problem and ensure your horse is on the correct treatment course.
In these pictures, Dr. Fischer with the aid of Kim is identifying gastric ulcers in "Oakley."

25/01/2025

We are sure you've all missed Dr. Fischer! She has been performing her yearly work in Mexico with Michigan State University veterinary students. Follow the link to see all that she's been up to! https://www.facebook.com/share/15yKyJLZsz/

16/01/2025

It's going to get especially cold early next week. Don't forget about the three essential things your horse needs to thrive in the cold.
1. Water - take steps and monitor it frequently to ensure that your horse has clean, open water to drink.
2. Shelter - horses need a place to take a break from wind and precipitation.
3. Hay - the process of digesting hay (called fermentation) actually produces heat keeping your horse warm.

18/12/2024

Happy Holidays to our wonderful patients and clients! We want to make you aware that our clinic has shorter hours for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. We are also closed Christmas and New Years Day to spend time with our families. Dr. Renton or Dr. Fischer will remain on call if a horse emergency should come up.

12/12/2024

Dr. Renton and Dr. Fischer recently attended the American Association of Equine Practitioner's conference together. They enjoyed continuing their education, learning how to provide even better care to our equine patients!

01/11/2024

Have you purchased Equioxx or Pergolide this year either through our clinic or online store? Get rewarded! Visit BoehringerIngelheimEquineRebates.com for rebates on products purchased during the rebate time window.