Cottage Vet

04/11/2025

“I love being a vet because the bond between pet and pet-parent is priceless. Helping pets live happy, pain-free lives is what drives me every day.”

Dr Morné has a special passion for orthopaedic surgery — especially cruciate and patella repairs — and is one of the few vets in the Helderberg offering advanced spinal, MRI, and CT scan services.

Known for his calm, caring approach, he often sits on the floor to help nervous pets feel at ease. Outside the clinic, you’ll find him mountain biking, paddle boarding, or watching Paw Patrol with his daughter!

💚 We’re proud to have Dr Morné leading the Cottage Vet team — where compassion meets surgical excellence.

Drop a ❤️ if Dr Morné has cared for your pet friend!

28/10/2025

Growing up in the countryside surrounded by pets, farm animals, and wildlife, it was almost inevitable that Dr Erin Sinclair would become a vet. From a young age, she was the go-to person for injured birds, runaway goats, and any creature in need of help.

What she loves most about being a vet? “No two days are ever the same - it’s like being a detective, solving medical puzzles while working closely with people and their beloved pets.”

Dr Erin has a special interest in cardiology and exotic and wildlife medicine, and she’s passionate about advancing care in these fields. If she could wave a magic wand and eliminate one disease forever, it would be chronic kidney disease in cats - a condition she sees far too often and is determined to fight with early diagnostics and prevention.

At home, Erin is kept in line by Luna, a lovable (but notoriously naughty) Domestic Shorthair who rules the household from whatever lap she’s currently occupying.

One of Erin’s most memorable cases? A dog who managed to swallow a needle - a true test of her surgical and detective skills!

When she’s not at the clinic, Erin enjoys stargazing with her telescope. She’s as fascinated by what’s above us as she is by the animals around us.

27/10/2025

🦷✨ Last chance! ✨🦷
It’s the final week of our Dental Month Special — your last chance to get those pearly whites shining and your pet’s breath fresh again!
🐶🐱

💚 Dont miss out! Book now!💚

📞 0218562746

27/10/2025

24/10/2025

Bringing a new puppy or kitten home is one of the most exciting moments! But once the cuddles are over, you might wonder, "What's next?“.

FIRST VET VISIT: Schedule a check-up to ensure your new family member is healthy and to discuss a preventative care plan.

VACCINATIONS: Understand the essential vaccination timeline to protect your puppy or kitten from common diseases.

DIET & NUTRITION: Learn about the best food for their age and breed to support healthy growth.

SOCIALISATION: Get tips on how to safely introduce them to new people, places, and other animals.

Read our blog article on “What to Do When You Get a New Puppy or Kitten”: https://www.cottagevet.co.za/new-puppy-or-kitten/

Call us today to book your new pet’s first visit and let's set them up for a healthy future! 📞 021 856 2746 WhatsApp: 076 109 7708

21/10/2025

Choosing the right pet is a big decision! Before you welcome a new furry, scaly, or feathered friend into your home, it's important to consider what kind of companion is the best fit for your lifestyle.

In our latest blog post, we walk you through some key questions to ask yourself:

💠Lifestyle: Are you an active person who loves being outdoors, or do you prefer quiet nights in?
💠Family: How do kids and other pets fit into the picture?
💠Source: Is a specific breed right for you, or is adopting a rescue a better option?

Making an informed choice can lead to a happier life for both you and your new pet.

Ready to find your perfect match? Read the full article to help guide your decision! https://www.cottagevet.co.za/what-pet-to-get/

17/10/2025

Ever noticed your small-breed dog skip or hop on one back leg, then carry on as if nothing happened? One possible cause is patellar luxation – when the kneecap slips out of place.

In our latest blog, Dr Ingrid explains:
🔹 Why this condition is so common in small breeds
🔹 The grading system vets use to assess severity
🔹 When surgery is recommended (and when it’s not)

🏥 With the right diagnosis and care, dogs with patellar luxation can live happy, active lives.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.cottagevet.co.za/patellar-luxation/

13/10/2025

October is a special month dedicated to celebrating the animals and people who make our lives so much richer.

At Cottage Vet, we're joining in on some key dates this month:

World Animal Day – 4 October (see our post on the 4th)

Vet Nurse Appreciation Week – 13–19 October
A huge shout-out to our incredible vet nurses, Sr. Wilma and Denise! This week, we celebrate their dedication, compassion, and hard work. From comforting a nervous pet to assisting in surgery and providing expert care, their contributions are vital to our team and the health of your pets. Thank you, Wilma and Denise, for everything you do!

10/10/2025

Is your dog suddenly lame on a back leg? One of the most common causes is cruciate disease – a knee problem that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds.

In our latest blog, Dr Ingrid unpacks:
🔹 What causes cruciate disease
🔹 Key signs of lameness to watch for
🔹 Surgical vs. conservative treatment options
🔹 How rehab & weight management play a vital role in recovery

🏥 Early diagnosis and the right care plan can make all the difference to your dog’s mobility and quality of life.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.cottagevet.co.za/cruciate-disease/

10/10/2025

Happy Nurses Day!

Today we celebrate our amazing vet nurses!
From cuddles to clean-ups, bandages to bravery!
You do it all with heart, care, compassion and dedication.
We’re so grateful for everything you do for our patients
(and for keeping the vets in line too 😉).
💚🐶🐱💚

🌸 Denise Thomas & Wilma Nell 🌸

07/10/2025

The Sphynx may look spooky-cool (perfect for Halloween 🎃), but they have some very real care needs:

🛁 Regular baths + skin care
☀️ Sun safety for sensitive skin
💓 Heart screening (HCM)
🏠 Best suited for an indoor-only lifestyle

And let’s bust a myth: ❌ They’re not truly hypo-allergenic!

Curious about living with this unique breed? Dr Ingrid dives into all things Sphynx in our latest blog post.👉 Read it here: https://www.cottagevet.co.za/sphynx/