Howell Animal Hospital

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.

11/20/2025

Check out this post from the American Association of Equine Practitioners for some valuable information on Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)!

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases

10/24/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MgoqtGjaS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

DO YOU LOVE YOUR EQUINE VETERINARIAN?! Here's your chance to share your appreciation for them! 📢

The AAEP is launching a special video project inviting horse owners to celebrate the dedication and partnership of their equine veterinarians. The initiative seeks to shine a spotlight on the veterinary professionals who provide exceptional care to the horse and compassionate support for owners.

This special tribute project created from submitted videos will be shown at the upcoming AAEP Annual Convention in Denver, Colo., Dec. 6 – 10 and will also be shared across our digital platforms.

Every horse owner who submits a video will receive a digital $10 Starbucks gift card.

Submission Details:

The AAEP is asking horse owners to submit short videos, 30 seconds or less, detailing why their equine veterinarian is an invaluable partner in their horse’s care. Submissions should focus on the aspects of care that demonstrate partnership, dedication and service beyond the expected.

How to Submit (Please note videos must adhere to the following instructions to be considered):

- Create a video no more than 30 seconds long explaining why your equine vet is an invaluable partner.
- Record your video in landscape mode (horizontal orientation).
- Send the video file via Facebook or Instagram direct message (DM). Facebook: American Association of Equine Practitioners & Instagram:
- Include along with your video submission your full name as well as your veterinarian's.

The submission window is open starting today, Oct. 22, with submissions accepted through Friday, Nov. 14. If you need assistance with submitting your video, email Grace Barrier at [email protected].

We're excited to hear about all of your incredible horse doctors!

10/12/2025

Happy Vet Tech week to our amazing technicians!!!

10/02/2025

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.

06/26/2025

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.

06/05/2025

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].

03/07/2025

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!

02/20/2025

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."

01/25/2025

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/

01/16/2025

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.