Cornerstone Veterinary Services

01/01/2026

As we wrap up an exciting year and head into 2026, we would like to say a heartfelt thanks to every client that entrusted us with their beloved pets. From late nights to checking in on patients on off days we have tried to give your pet the absolute best. We were honoured to be there for the first vaccinations and the last goodbyes.
May this year bring good health, happy purrs and wagging tails! Happy new year from the entire Cornerstone team

31/12/2025

Meet the team (And also our final post of 2025😳)

Last, but definitely not least, is Bruno Mpofu.

Bruno has worked at Cornerstone since 2019 and is considered the jack of all trades. He keeps the practice clean and tidy - both inside and out. He will help with heavy feed bags, give a hand when the vets need help with a patient and also give our patients time outside when staying in hospital.

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his kids. Storytelling and history lessons is what he enjoys sharing with them the most.

He is described by colleagues as helpful, friendly and calm.

His advice to pet parents: “Take good care of your pet. That includes preventing ticks and fleas by using the right medication. Also, give them the recommended food according to their specific needs.”

30/12/2025

Some excellent suggestions on how to keep our furry companions safe during new year celebrations.
Please be kind to all animals and say no to fireworks. The amount of stress animals experience are not worth the few seconds of colourful lights. Let’s all have a beautiful and stress free new year!

𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦 & 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗦

Fireworks are terrifying for pets due to loud, unpredictable noises and bright flashes, triggering:

😥panic,
🏃‍♂️escape attempts, and
😖severe anxiety,

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘀

It’s best to keep them indoors but note access to large windows or sliding doors have caused injury.

A bathroom may be a consideration.

The idea is to provide a safe space (like a closed bedroom / laundry / study with closed curtains and calming music/TV), with familiar bedding, treats, and a favorite toy.

It’s best to walk them earlier, ensure ID/microchips are updated, and consider vet-approved calming medication (we will need to see your pet)

Google how to use a t-shirt to help them cope, some use bandages.

There is also a new suggestion of running a tumble dryer with tennis balls and an old shoe as a form of noise masking.

Turn on the TV, radio, or play calming music to muffle the sounds - you tube has a great selection for pets.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀

Heightened senses: Animals hear and see much better than humans, making the explosions and lights overwhelming and threatening.

No context: They don't understand fireworks, so the unpredictable booms trigger a primal "fight or flight" response, similar to severe storms.

𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁

Stay calm: Your calm presence helps, but avoid over-comforting, as it can reinforce their fear.

Remember to always ensure microchips and ID tags are current in case your animas do get out.

𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘂𝘀?

Our team is here today until 18:30 (please arrive well before closing) and on New Years Eve from 09:00 until 13:00. We are closed on the 1/1/2026.

A cost for a mini consult is R325 which is a consult limited to prescribing scheduled medication for your pet.

29/12/2025

28/12/2025

Happiest of birthdays to Dr Donald McRae.

Thank you Donald for the exceptional care you give your equine patients and their owners. You are an irreplaceable part of the team.

We hope you have a great day and year!

25/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at Cornerstone Vet🎄

Thank you for trusting us with your furry companions throughout the year. We hope that this festive season will be full of happiness, rest and loads of treats!

23/12/2025

Road safety

Did you know that there is an increase in wildlife victims hit by cars over the festive season? With increased traffic and more active wildlife, accidents are inevitable. This poses a risk to both human and animals alike.

With an increase in wildlife victims being brought into the practice, we urge everyone to be mindful when driving.

Be vigilant, especially at dusk or dawn. When wildlife is spotted, be aware that others might be close (female with offspring).

Be patient and slow down, they are trying their best to get home safely too.

*Picture: our latest victim recovering well*

21/12/2025

Remember to pick up your free stocking filler that was expertly sourced by our receptionist Zelda😁

18/12/2025

Spondylosis

Spondylosis deformans is a condition that affects the vertebral bodies. It can occur anywhere from the cervical (neck) vertebrae down to the lumbar (back) vertebrae.

It is characterised by bony spurs (called osteophytes) on the edges of these vertebrae. There can be one or multiple affected areas. With time these spurs will grow and eventually form a bridge between vertebrae. It is the body’s way to stabilise these joints. When the discs between the vertebrae get damaged the joint becomes weak and the body reacts. This can happen with aging, injury, genetic predisposition or repetitive activity putting strain on these joints.

The most common areas where this condition is found is the junction between the thoracic (chest) and lumbar vertebrae, the lower end of the lumbar vertebrae as well as the lumbosacral vertebrae (hips and pelvis).

Most dogs will have no symptoms. However, as the condition progresses the spine can become less flexible and the animal appears more stiff. When the bony spurs grow where a nerve exists the spinal canal, it can cause pressure on this nerve resulting in pain and/or lameness.

16/12/2025

Sweet Dora graced us with her presence and extreme charm last week. Glad you feeling better little one!