Business Details
45 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Compassionate Veterinary Care for Your Pet in Highland, IL
Founded in 1981 by Dr. Michael Diesen and his wife Dolores, our practice was built on the principle of treating every client and patient as family. Over 40 years of combined experience among our team ensures comprehensive care for dogs and cats, with services spanning wellness exams, diagnostics, surgery, and dental care. We pioneered the first full-time veterinary clinic in Highland after recognizing local community needs, evolving through three generations of family leadership. Our hospital completed a major expansion in 2018, doubling treatment capacity while maintaining personalized care. Today, five veterinarians and specialized staff continue this legacy through advanced diagnostics, tailored vaccination protocols, and emergency referral services.We emphasize preventative care education for pet owners while maintaining strong partnerships with regional specialists. Our team's longevitymany staff members have served over a decadereflects our commitment to consistent, compassionate veterinary medicine. Through three facility upgrades and technological advancements, our core philosophy remains unchanged: nurturing the bond between pets and their families through quality healthcare. This enduring approach has made us a trusted partner for pet owners across southwestern Illinois.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Diagnostics
Surgery
Dental Care
Microchipping
Emergency Referrals
Hospitalization
Preventative Care
Senior Pet Care
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined veterinary expertise through family-legacy leadership
- Our hospital completed a major expansion in 2018 with state-of-the-art facilities
- Five experienced veterinarians provide comprehensive medical and surgical care
- We maintain strong partnerships with regional emergency specialists
- Family-centric approach with personalized client communication
Services
Wellness Exams
Comprehensive physical examinations detect early health issues in pets. Our veterinarians assess heart, lungs, teeth, eyes, ears, and internal organs through hands-on evaluation and lab work. We emphasize preventative strategies including home care education tailored to each pet's breed and age.
Diagnostics
Digital radiography and in-house laboratory services enable rapid diagnosis. We perform bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, and biopsies while maintaining partnerships with specialized labs. This approach supports accurate assessment of heartworm disease, internal parasites, and systemic conditions.
Surgery
Soft tissue surgeries include spay/neuter procedures and advanced tumor removals. Individualized anesthetic protocols consider each pet's age, breed, and health status. Pre-surgical bloodwork and IV catheters ensure safety during procedures, with comprehensive post-operative pain management.
Dental Care
Professional teeth cleanings prevent systemic infections from dental disease. We address gingivitis, fractured teeth, and periodontal issues through digital dental radiography. Post-treatment education covers brushing techniques and dental diet recommendations to maintain oral health between visits.
Microchipping
Permanent ID microchips offer reliable pet recovery solutions. The quick, minimally-invasive implantation procedure between shoulder blades uses Avid system technology. Registered microchips dramatically increase reunion chances when pets become lost, working alongside traditional ID tags.
People
Dr. Michelle Leckrone
Hospital Manager
Graduate of University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Practicing since 2003 after growing up in the family veterinary business. Specializes in compassionate client communication and hospital operations.
Dr. Heather Tegeler
Veterinarian
Veterinarian since 2008 with specialty in cardiology and geriatric care. Passionate about preventive medicine and client education. Active in community animal welfare programs.
Dr. Carrie Nieto
Veterinarian
Joined practice in 2019 after dairy farm upbringing. Focus on surgical procedures and puppy/kitten wellness programs. Advocate for responsible pet ownership and community outreach.
Kathy Diesen
Practice Manager
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager with 20+ years' experience. Oversees daily operations and client relations. Graduate of Highland with deep community connections.
Dr. Cindi Sirko
Veterinarian
Veterinary graduate of Charles Sturt University in Australia. Special interest in exotic pet medicine and dermatology. Brings international experience to our team.
Questions
What types of pets do you treat?
We specialize in dogs and cats, providing comprehensive medical and surgical care for these companion animals.
Do you offer emergency services after hours?
While we provide emergency referrals, our facility maintains regular business hours. Critical overnight care patients are referred to area emergency clinics.
Can I schedule appointments online?
Currently appointments are made by direct phone contact at 618-654-4688 for personalized service coordination.
Do you have specialized veterinary equipment?
Our modern facility includes digital radiography, in-house blood testing, and surgical monitoring equipment for comprehensive diagnostics and treatment.
How do you handle senior pet care?
We recommend bi-annual wellness exams for senior pets with tailored bloodwork to monitor organ function and early disease detection.
What should I bring to my pet's first visit?
Please bring vaccination records, current medications, and any medical history. This helps us establish comprehensive care plans.
