Hilton Veterinary Hospital – Lies, Greed & Cruelty

Disclaimer: The facts set out below reflect our personal experience with Hilton Veterinary Hospital. They are true to the best of our knowledge and supported by records in our possession. We share this account in line with our constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression, so that other families may be informed and protect their animals.

It has now been two years since we lost our beloved Zeus following our horrific experience with 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, such conduct is nothing short of disgraceful.

On December 23, 2023, Zeus developed severe pain in his right hind limb. We contacted HVH, 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 accused us of “demanding” services.

Eventually, Kelly told us Dr. Boyd agreed to see Zeus on December 24. We traveled from Durban to Hilton for the appointment. In the presence of my family and I, Dr. Boyd conducted a neurological exam and scans, ruling out spinal issues and identifying instability in Zeus’s right cruciate ligament. She performed surgery later that day and informed us that Zeus was urinating independently and even walking, statements that did not match what we witnessed during visiting hours.

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

During discharge on December 26, nurse Mekayla attempted to catheterize Zeus while he was awake, causing him to scream in pain. she fumbled dosages and administered anesthesia twice. Dr. Arina Pimosenco heard the screams and came in concerned. This is unacceptable.

We then took Zeus home. His condition worsened. We contacted Dr. De Scally, the hospital owner, requesting 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.” When he eventually told us to come through, we drove an hour with Zeus only to be told to wait behind other patients 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 in front of many witnesses, speaking to us in an abrupt and ****** manner, despite Zeus’s condition being the direct result of their negligence. He claimed Zeus could not be treated due to his temperament, despite having treated him before and charging us excessively. Rather than acknowledging failures, he deflected blame and demeaned us, compounding the cruelty of the situation.

The SAVC has been equally complicit, protecting this behavior instead of holding veterinarians accountable. South Africa lacks a proper council or legal system for animals.

When we finally obtained the medical records and reports, they were riddled with contradictions and dishonesty. 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 deceit, lack of professionalism, and disregard for both animal and human suffering.

I am committed to holding Hilton Vet Hospital accountable until justice or karma is served on every single person who caused harm to Zeus.