Testimonials
Dr Alet Engelbrecht BVSc
"Antoinette is truly a dog whisperer. Her approach is gentle and calming and one can see how patients relax under her touch."
Carter family
"Her healing hands and gentle approach suited Lilly’s very anxious personality."
Dr Denise Bouah
"Antoinette's knowledge about her profession is fantastic. I would choose to have her on my team every time."
Reduce pain
Support recovery
Build strength
Restore balance
Improve coordination
Experience personalised veterinary physio care
for your pet in the comfort of your home.
Based in Durbanville, Cape Town my mobile services offer safe,
non-invasive treatments, saving you time and stress.
I offer pain relief and help your pet recover in a familiar environment.
1
Book your free 15 minute discovery call
2
First Evaluation & Pain Management
(90-120 minutes) R1400
(travel surcharge applies for areas outside travel zone)
Comprehensive Approach: I take a holistic approach, considering your pet’s entire health picture through a pre-visit questionnaire, medical history review, and a thorough physical exam (movement, gait, etc.).
This allows for a personalised treatment plan with:
Pain Management: During the evaluation, I address the identified painful areas.
Verbal Feedback & Recommendations: You’ll receive a clear overview of the findings and a customised treatment plan.
Report: I provide detailed reports and resources, including a written report with findings, a home exercise program, video links, and home modification suggestions (if needed).
Ongoing Support: I provide follow-up support via email and WhatsApp, and I send a copy of the report to your veterinarian.
3
Follow-up Treatment (60-75 minutes) R1000
Personalised Rehabilitation: Building upon the initial evaluation, my follow-up treatments utilise hands-on techniques (massage, mobilisation, myofascial release)
to address pain. Exercises are implemented depending on patient specifics.
I use a combination of massage techniques, soft tissue mobilisation,
manual therapy and myofascial release to aid recovery and help relieve pain. Guided and assisted exercise also play a big role.
I like to focus on specific muscle targeting as well as core strengthening.
Safe, controlled environment for exercise. The buoyancy of water offers support to patients struggling with mobility and balance. The resistance of the water aids in muscle strengthening. Heated water aids in muscle relaxation. The contact of the underwater treadmill (UWT) belt gives the paws proprioceptive feedback (knowing where a limb is in space). This is especially beneficial to post operative knees and spinals. Walking on a treadmill belt promotes better joint extension.
Knee and hip extension is often reduced after surgery or with osteoarthritis.
This assists with pain reduction, tissue healing, decreasing swelling
and even stimulates an endorphin release.
This modality can be used to manage pain as well as encourage muscle contractions. A small unit is connected to electrode pads which are placed on the skin (the haircoat needs to be shaved). An electric current is generated by the unit and travels through the leads to the electrodes on the skin. This current depolarizes the motor nerve and produces a skeletal muscle contraction.
Sr Antoinette Smit
• Veterinary Nurse DVN, Onderstepoort ZA.
• Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner CCRP, Tennessee USA/Vienna AU.
After qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse from the University of Pretoria's Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science in 2006, I spent a year in theatre assisting with a wide range of surgical procedures.
In 2008, I worked in several specialist and referral hospitals in and around London, where I gained valuable experience across different areas of veterinary medicine and animal health.
Returning to South Africa, I realised I wanted to take a more holistic approach to patient care. This led me into the field of animal physio and rehabilitation.
In 2010, I completed a bridging course in Canine Physical Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee, USA. I then qualified in Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation after completing my examinations at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria in 2012, while also attending the 7th International Symposium on Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.
My passion for learning has continued throughout my career. In 2016, I attended the 9th International Symposium on Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden.
As a pet physio, I am committed to providing safe, evidence-based treatment and maintaining the highest professional standards. Ongoing education is an important part of my practice, and I regularly participate in continued professional development while staying connected with both local and international veterinary rehabilitation and animal physiotherapy communities to ensure I provide the best possible care for every patient.
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