Hilton Veterinary Hospital – A Disgrace to the Profession (Negligence, Lies, Greed & Cruelty)

Two years ago we lost our beloved Zeus due to the negligence and dishonesty of Hilton Veterinary Hospital. To this day, not a single condolence or phone call has been received from Dr. Sara Boyd, the orthopedic specialist who operated on him. For doctors who took an oath, their conduct is nothing short of disgraceful.

On December 23, 2023, he developed severe pain in his right hind limb. We contacted Hilton Vet Hospital urgently, but receptionist Kelly Santowski coldly informed us that Dr. Boyd was going on leave. When we asked Dr. Sara Halgreen if Dr. Boyd could assess Zeus before leaving, she dismissively accused us of “demanding” services. We clarified we were simply asking for help, otherwise we would consult another surgeon.

Eventually, Kelly told us Dr. Boyd agreed to see Zeus on December 24. We traveled from Durban to Hilton for the appointment. Dr. Boyd conducted a neurological exam and scans, ruling out spinal issues and identifying instability in Zeus’s right cruciate ligament. She then performed surgery, claiming afterward that Zeus was urinating independently and even walking, statements that were blatantly false.

On December 24, Zeus was drowsy, bleeding from his lip, and immobile. On December 25, Dr. Boyd insisted Zeus was walking and urinating independently, even claiming nurse Mekayla Govender had taken a video. Yet Zeus was paralyzed, unable to move his hind limbs, and had not eaten or drunk for two days. Upon inquiry, Mekayla denied the existence of the video, directly contradicting Dr. Boyd’s claims.

During discharge on December 26, Mekayla attempted to catheterize Zeus without supervision, fumbling dosages and injecting anesthetics twice. She even tried to catheterize him while awake, causing him to scream in agony. This was cruelty disguised as care. Dr. Arina Pimosenco was also concerned in that moment.

Later, when Zeus’s condition worsened, we contacted Dr. De Scally, the hospital owner, and requested urgent help as Zeus was not urinating or defecating and was in a critical state. His response was dismissive: “Come back when Dr. Boyd is back from holiday.” The truth is, she never left the hospital and was in full contact with him. When he finally told us to come through, we drove an hour with a sick dog only to be told we had to wait for other patients first despite having an appointment. Zeus could not wait; his catheter was bleeding.

We were mistreated. Dr. De Scally did not respond with professionalism or compassion. Instead, he threw a tantrum, speaking to us in an extremely abrupt and ****** manner, despite Zeus’s condition being the direct result of their incompetence and negligence. He falsely claimed Zeus could not be treated due to his temperament, despite having treated him before and charging us exorbitantly (over R80,000). Rather than acknowledging their failures, he attempted to deflect blame and demean us, compounding the cruelty of the situation.

The SAVC is equally complicit, protecting this behavior instead of holding veterinarians accountable. South Africa lacks any proper council or proper legal system for animals; nothing but *******ion.

When we finally obtained the medical records and reports, they were riddled with dishonesty and clearly parts falsified. Lies upon lies, all to protect themselves and their profits.

This hospital is not driven by compassion or integrity, but by greed. Every name mentioned here Dr. Sara Boyd, Dr. Sara Halgreen, Dr. Arina Pimosenco, Nurse Mekayla Govender, Receptionist Kelly Santowski, and Dr. De Scally has shown themselves to be a disgrace to the veterinary profession.

We understand that surgeries can have uncertain outcomes, but what cannot be excused is the deceit, lack of professionalism, and utter disregard for both animal and human suffering. Hilton Veterinary Hospital has failed miserably at covering their tracks, and their dishonesty speaks louder than their actions.

I will continue to tell this story publicly. No amount of **** positive reviews will ever come close to the truth about this place and its people. In fact, their Google reviews say it all. There is shared sadness surrounding this place. I am committed to holding Hilton Vet Hospital accountable until justice or karma is served on every single person who caused harm to Zeus.