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Monday 08:30 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00 Thursday 08:30 - 17:00 Friday 08:30 - 17:00

MediVet Hillcrest Physiotherapy

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MediVet Hillcrest Physiotherapy

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MediVet Hillcrest Physiotherapy offers expert rehabilitation and pain management for pets, helping them recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions.

19/04/2026

One Friday in February, 9½-year-old Coco was doing what dogs do best — chasing a ball at full speed — when she slipped and crashed onto her neck.

She came in for a check-up feeling sore, but after a thorough examination there were no neurological deficits and all four legs were working normally. She was painful, so she went home with medication, strict rest, and clear instructions for her owner to keep us closely updated. Reassuring WhatsApp messages over the weekend confirmed she seemed comfortable and stable.

Then by Monday morning everything changed. Coco suddenly became very wobbly, struggled to stand, and was in severe pain. We arranged an urgent referral to Hilton Veterinary Hospital, where advanced imaging confirmed a major disc prolapse in her neck, compressing her spinal cord.

Coco underwent delicate spinal surgery with Dr Sara Boyd, and since then her recovery has been slow, steady, and inspiring. Healing after spinal surgery takes time, patience, and the right rehabilitation support.

That is where physiotherapy plays such an important role. Coco’s rehab programme includes massage to ease tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce discomfort. Gentle range-of-motion exercises help keep her joints flexible and prevent stiffness while her strength returns. Toe stretches stimulate nerves and encourage awareness of paw placement.

Her assisted “physio walks” using a hindquarter harness help improve balance, coordination, and confidence while reducing strain. Weight-shifting exercises teach her to use all four limbs more evenly again, and assisted sit-to-stand repetitions help rebuild core strength, limb strength, and stability.

As Coco progresses, laser therapy and stepping over poles will help further with healing, coordination, and controlled limb placement.

The good news? Coco is making wonderful progress already. With her devoted family, our vets, specialist support, and physiotherapy with Lauren, her future is looking very bright indeed.

Braveold girl Coco, we are all so proud of you. 💛🐾

18/04/2026

Physio Fun with Lauren at MediVet! 🐾

We have recently had a shuffle of responsibilities within the team and are thrilled to announce that our Physio Cottage is now operating as a full-time weekday service… apart from when we allow Lauren a quick lunch or loo break, of course 😄

With two wonderful nurses, Brenna and Lianca now caring for our hospital patients, Lauren is able to dedicate even more of her time and expertise to the patients needing physiotherapy and rehabilitation care.

If you would like to learn more about what she offers, why not ask for a tour of her amazing Physio Cottage? It is fully equipped with:
✨ Specialised recovery and strengthening apparatus
✨ A rehabilitation treadmill
✨ A heated, purpose-built hydrotherapy pool
✨ Therapeutic laser equipment to assist with pain relief and faster healing

Being both a qualified veterinary nurse and a rehabilitation specialist makes Lauren an incredible asset to MediVet, and we are so proud to see her client base growing as more pets benefit from her knowledge and care. 💙

04/03/2026

Stronger Every Week 💪🐾

Jasmine is certainly putting in the work during her physio sessions — and she means business.

This week she’s been doing resistance band exercises to help strengthen the muscles in her hips and hind legs. These targeted exercises are especially important for her because she has arthritis in her left knee following a torn cruciate ligament.

When a cruciate ligament tears, the joint becomes unstable. Even after healing or surgical management, the knee is often left with some degree of arthritis. That arthritis leads to:

• Muscle loss around the thigh
• Reduced joint support
• Stiffness and discomfort
• Compensatory strain on the opposite leg

That’s where rehab steps in.

By building muscle in the hips and hindquarters, we:
✔️ Improve joint stability
✔️ Reduce pressure on the arthritic knee
✔️ Support better mobility
✔️ Slow down further degeneration

Physiotherapy isn’t just about recovery after surgery — it’s about long-term joint management and keeping dogs moving comfortably for as long as possible.

Jasmine is doing beautifully, and every controlled repetition is helping her stay stronger, steadier and more comfortable in daily life.

Arthritis doesn’t mean slowing down completely. It means working smarter.

26/02/2026

🐾 Po’s Cruciate Surgery – And Why Technique Choice Matters

Po is currently recovering from surgery for a cranial cruciate ligament rupture. His procedure involved extracapsular fixation (often referred to as an “ex-cap”).
He’s doing well — but this is a good opportunity to explain something important: not all cruciate surgeries are the same, and the right choice depends on the dog.

🔎 The Big Three: Ex-Cap vs TPLO vs TTA

1️⃣ Extracapsular (Ex-Cap) Repair
This technique uses a strong suture placed outside the joint to stabilise the knee while scar tissue forms and supports long-term stability.
Best suited for:
• Small to medium dogs
• Lower activity patients
• Budget-conscious owners
• Cases where TPLO/TTA isn’t ideal

Pros:
• Less invasive than bone-cutting procedures
• Lower cost
• Good success rates in smaller dogs

Considerations:
• Slightly higher risk of long-term instability in large, athletic dogs
• Strict post-op rest is critical

2️⃣ TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy)

A surgical bone cut changes the biomechanics of the knee so the joint no longer relies on the cruciate ligament for stability.

Best suited for:
• Large breed dogs
• Athletic or working dogs
• Very active patients

Pros:
• Excellent long-term stability
• Faster return to full athletic function

Considerations:
• More invasive
• Higher cost
• Requires specialised surgical expertise

3️⃣ TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)

Another bone-modifying surgery that changes the forces acting across the knee to create stability.
Best suited for:
• Medium to large dogs
• Active dogs

Pros:
• Good functional outcomes
• Strong long-term stability

Considerations:
• Also a bone-cutting procedure
• Cost and surgical complexity similar to TPLO

🦴 So Why Ex-Cap for Po?
Every cruciate case should be assessed individually. Size, age, weight, activity level, concurrent arthritis, finances, and surgical availability all influence the decision.

Extracapsular repair remains a valid, effective option — especially when carefully selected for the right patient and followed by controlled rehabilitation.

And this is where compliance matters. Strict rest. Controlled lead walks. No zoomies. No stairs. No shortcuts.

20/02/2026

Little Pepper is just two weeks post-op following her Ridgestop procedure for a luxating patella… and she is doing incredibly well! 👏🐾

Only two weeks ago she went in for surgery, and already she’s brighter, more comfortable and starting to use that leg with so much more confidence.

What is a luxating patella?

A luxating patella is when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. It’s very common in small breed dogs, but we see it in larger dogs too.

Signs can include:
• Skipping or hopping on a hind leg
• Suddenly carrying the leg for a few steps
• Intermittent lameness
• Pain or stiffness

Over time, repeated slipping can cause:
• Inflammation
• Cartilage wear
• Arthritis
• Long-term discomfort

Surgical correction, like the Ridgestop procedure Pepper had, stabilises the kneecap and helps prevent further damage.

Why physiotherapy matters
Surgery is only part of the journey.

Post-operative physiotherapy is critical to:
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve muscle strength
• Restore normal movement
• Prevent compensatory strain on the other leg
• Speed up safe recovery

Early, controlled rehab helps prevent muscle loss and improves long-term joint function. It’s not about rushing activity — it’s about structured, guided healing.

Pepper’s recovery so far is a testament to careful surgery, good pain management, and committed aftercare at home.

We love seeing these early wins — but the real goal is long-term comfort and stability.

Two weeks down. A strong future ahead. 💚🐾

05/02/2026

🐾 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗩𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆!

At MediVet, our dedicated physiotherapy suite offers expert rehabilitation and conditioning for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and activity levels. Led by Sr. Lauren Paxton, our animal rehab specialist, we use advanced techniques and equipment to help pets recover, stay strong, and feel their best.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
✅ 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 – low-impact exercise for joints, pain relief, and weight control
✅ 𝗖𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶 & 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 – improve coordination, strength, and stability
✅ 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 – reduce pain, inflammation, and speed healing
✅ 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – restore mobility and muscle strength
✅ 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗴 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆) 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 – optimize performance safely

Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, controlling weight, or training for sport, our personalised physiotherapy programs support health, mobility, and long-term quality of life.

📞 Book a consultation today and help your pet move comfortably, confidently, and happily.

04/02/2026

🐾 Cookie Stretch 🐾

The cookie stretch gets its name from the treat used to guide the movement. By luring your dog’s nose with a small treat, you encourage controlled stretching through the neck, shoulders, spine, hips, and limbs. It’s similar to a “heads-up” exercise and works brilliantly as a warm-up or mobility exercise.

How to do it:
➡️ Start with your dog standing squarely on all four paws on a flat, non-slip surface.
➡️ Using a treat, slowly guide your dog’s nose towards:
• Each shoulder
• The mid-section
• The hips
• The front paws
• The rear paws

The key is that your dog stays in place while reaching and stretching, rather than stepping or turning.

Why we love it:
✔ Improves flexibility
✔ Encourages body awareness
✔ Gently mobilises joints and muscles
✔ Ideal before walks, training, or sport

Always move slowly, only stretch as far as your dog is comfortable, and stop if they resist or seem uncomfortable. Quality of movement matters more than how far they reach.

02/02/2026

Pets are part of the family. When their comfort, movement, or independence is affected, getting them moving well again matters — to them and to you.

Mobility can be compromised for many reasons, including injury, disease, deformity, or surgery. Veterinary physiotherapy addresses these challenges using targeted techniques such as massage, electrotherapies, heat therapy, and structured exercise programmes.

The aim is straightforward:
reduce pain, stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, and restore mobility and function.

Physiotherapy is also valuable for performance enhancement in athletic and working animals, helping to build strength, efficiency, and resilience. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, managing a long-term condition, or returning to activity after injury, physiotherapy plays a key role in achieving the best possible outcome.

31/01/2026

𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 🐾

• Only do what your dog is comfortable with. Progress takes time — pushing too hard causes injuries, not gains.

• Always watch for signs of fatigue or pain. Subtle changes in movement matter.

• Stretch only once muscles are warm. Cold muscles don’t stretch safely.

• Rest days are non-negotiable. Recovery is where strength actually builds.

• And most importantly — it must be fun. If your dog isn’t enjoying it, you’re doing too much.

Strong dogs are built with consistency, patience, and a bit of joy. 💪🐶

30/01/2026

𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

This exercise focuses on controlled movement, balance, and hind- and forelimb strength—all essential for agility dogs.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀:
• The dog is encouraged to lift its front limbs off the ground and “dance” on its hind legs.
• Take 3 steps forward, then 3 steps backward, maintaining balance throughout.
• Repeat in sets, gradually increasing the number of repetitions as strength improves.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀:
• Strengthens core muscles: Maintaining balance on the hind limbs engages deep abdominal and back muscles.
• Builds hind limb power: Supports explosive movements like jumps and quick directional changes.
• Improves coordination and proprioception: Dogs learn to control their body in multiple planes of movement, which reduces injury risk.
• Shoulder and forelimb stability: Lifting the front limbs off the ground strengthens stabilizing muscles needed for weaving and contact obstacles.

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀:
• Start slowly with support or guidance, especially in dogs new to the exercise.
• Use a favorite treat or toy to encourage forward/backward steps.
• Keep sessions short but consistent to avoid fatigue.

Always monitor for signs of strain or discomfort, especially in dogs with hip, knee, or back concerns.

Address

1 Highland Road
Hillcrest
3610

Opening Hours

Monday	08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 17:00
Thursday	08:30 - 17:00
Friday	08:30 - 17:00

Website

http://www.medivet-hillcrest.co.za/

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