Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Highland, IL
Highland Animal Hospital has been dedicated to providing quality compassionate veterinary care for over 30 years. Founded in 1981 by Dr. Michael Diesen and his wife Dolores, our hospital was built on the philosophy of treating clients and patients as family members. We specialize in wellness care, diagnostics, surgery, dental services, and emergency referrals for dogs and cats in Highland, Illinois and surrounding areas. Our team includes experienced veterinarians like Dr. Michelle Leckrone, Dr. Heather Tegeler, and Dr. Carrie Nieto, supported by skilled professionals committed to maintaining the bond between pets and their owners.We continually invest in advanced medical technologies, including digital radiography and in-house laboratory capabilities, while maintaining collaborative relationships with specialists for complex cases. Our state-of-the-art facility, rebuilt in 2018, features expanded treatment areas and hospitalization spaces to better serve our community. The hospital remains family-owned, with Kathy Diesen serving as practice manager, ensuring continuity of care that has spanned multiple generations of both pets and pet owners in the region.
Services
Wellness Exams
Diagnostics
Surgery
Dental Care
Emergency Referrals
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience serving Highland's pet community
- Our hospital combines advanced technology with personalized care
- Family-owned practice with multi-generational veterinary expertise
- We offer comprehensive services from wellness exams to complex diagnostics
- Our team includes specialists in various veterinary disciplines
Services
Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams help maintain your pet's health through early disease detection. Annual physical examinations include cardiac and pulmonary assessments, dental evaluations, and joint mobility checks. We provide personalized healthcare recommendations based on your pet's age, breed, and lifestyle while offering guidance on home care and preventive treatments.
Diagnostics
Advanced diagnostic capabilities enable accurate health assessments through digital radiography and in-house laboratory testing. We perform urinalysis, parasite identification, and blood chemistry panels while maintaining partnerships with specialized labs for complex analyses. Our diagnostic services support timely treatment decisions for both routine and emergency medical conditions.
Surgical Procedures
We offer a range of surgical services including spay/neuter operations and soft tissue procedures like tumor removals. Our surgical protocols emphasize patient safety with individualized anesthetic plans and comprehensive pain management. Pre-surgical blood work and intravenous catheterization ensure optimal care for procedures requiring general anesthesia.
Dental Care
Professional dental cleanings and oral health assessments prevent systemic diseases caused by dental infections. Our services include tartar removal, gum disease treatment, and dental radiography. We educate pet owners on home care techniques while offering specialized diets and dental products to maintain oral health between professional cleanings.
Emergency Referrals
While we provide after-hours emergency contact information, critical cases requiring constant monitoring are referred to local specialty clinics. Our team offers initial assessment and stabilization for acute conditions before transferring patients to facilities equipped for 24/7 critical care and advanced treatment options.
People
Dr. Michelle Leckrone
Hospital Manager
Graduated from University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, joined practice in 2003, and has led hospital operations since 2018. Specializes in small animal care while managing day-to-day hospital functions.
Dr. Heather Tegeler
Veterinarian
Veterinarian since 2008 with expertise in small animal medicine. Passionate about preventive care and client education. Active in community veterinary outreach programs while maintaining professional affiliations.
Dr. Carrie Nieto
Veterinarian
Joined practice in 2019 after graduating from University of Illinois. Focuses on wellness care and preventive medicine. Brings experience from rural veterinary practice while emphasizing client communication.
Kathy Diesen
Practice Manager
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager with over 20 years of experience. Oversees hospital operations and client relations. Maintains focus on practice efficiency while preserving the hospital's family-oriented values.
Dr. Cindi Sirko
Veterinarian
Veterinarian with international experience, practicing in Australia before returning to Illinois. Specializes in companion animal care while emphasizing preventive health strategies and client education.
Questions
What services does Highland Animal Hospital offer?
We provide wellness exams, diagnostics, surgery, dental care, and emergency referrals for dogs and cats. Our services include preventive care, microchipping, vaccinations, and chronic disease management.
Do you offer after-hours emergency care?
We provide emergency contact information but recommend local specialty clinics for 24/7 critical care. Our team offers initial assessment and stabilization before transferring critical cases.
What makes your hospital different from others?
We combine family-owned tradition with modern veterinary technology. Our multi-generational practice emphasizes personalized care while maintaining advanced diagnostic capabilities and specialized service partnerships.
How do you handle senior pet care?
We recommend bi-annual exams for senior pets with comprehensive blood work and screening tests. Our preventive care plans address age-related conditions while focusing on maintaining quality of life.
Can I get help with pet dental care at home?
Yes, we provide guidance on brushing techniques, dental diets, and appropriate chew products. Our team demonstrates proper home care methods during wellness visits and dental procedures.
What should I bring to my pet's first appointment?
Please bring vaccination records, current medications, and any previous medical history. For new patients, we recommend arriving 15 minutes early to complete registration paperwork.
