Get to Know Dr. Ortman
What types of services do you provide?
We offer euthanasia in the comfort of your home, or in-facility at Columbia Pet. Cremation Center & Funeral Chapel, by a board certified South Carolina veterinarian.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by phone or email. Our euthanasia hours are by appointment only, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, most Fridays and other days when the veterinarian is available. We can sometimes accommodate weekend appointments. After hour fees apply to appointments scheduled after 2 pm and weekends.
How much advanced notice do I need to give?
We recommend giving us 2-3 business days’ notice to ensure we have availability. However, we do recognize that in some situations this is not possible. We are not an emergency service, however, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
What are the fees associated with your services?
Our fees reflect the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Please call us at 803-888-7095-that we may provide you with an estimate.
There will be a cancellation fee should you need to cancel your appointment within 4 hours of the scheduled time.
What areas do you provide service for?
There will be a cancellation fee should you need to cancel your appointment within 4 hours of the scheduled time.
Do I need to book an initial consultation/examination prior to a euthanasia appointment?
Dr. Ortman is licensed to provide veterinary services in South Carolina.
What is the procedure for euthanasia?
For a euthanasia appointment the veterinarian (occasionally with an assistant) meets you at the crematory. They start with a sedative injection so that your pet is very comfortable and peaceful. Ten minutes or so later they place an intravenous catheter for the final injection. The procedure takes about 30 minutes with an additional 20-30 available should you desire private time, but this can vary, depending on the needs of you and your pet.
What happens to my pet’s body after a euthanasia appointment?
We can arrange for after care services; cremation is provided by Columbia Pet Crematory Center. If you choose a cremated remains return cremation, they will be in touch with you directly to make the arrangements. You can pick up your pet's cremated remains from Columbia Pet Crematory Center or arrange for the cremated remains to be delivered home to you for a delivery fee.
What types of animals will you see?
Dogs, cats and rabbits. Other small pet may be possible with prior consultation.
What do I do in the event of an emergency?
If you can't reach us try to contact your regular veterinarian or one of the following emergency clinics:
CVETS – Columbia Veterinary Emergency Trauma and Specialty. 803-995-8913. Oakcrest Drive, Columbia SC
Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. (803) 798-0803. 3912 Fernandina Rd, Columbia SC
SC Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care. (803) 561-0015. 3924 Fernandina Rd, Columbia SC
What actually happens during euthanasia, and does it hurt?
Generally, the veterinarian will give your pet two shots. The first is a sedative.
This provides for a gentle transition from consciousness to unconsciousness, and the only sensation a pet will experience following this injection is falling into a deeper and deeper sleep, similar to an anesthetic given for surgery.
This period will likely last between five and 10 minutes, with the pet falling into a deeper and deeper sleep, "at which time they become no longer aware.
When the family is ready, the veterinarian will then administer the second injection. The most common drug used during that stage is pentobarbital, another anesthetic that will cause the pet's heart to slow and then stop.
The injection is given either intravenously, which will bring on death in seconds, or directly into the abdomen, which may take up to 15 minutes and "is more gentle and slow — but in either case, the pet, having been sedated, will not be aware of this part of the process.
The only discomfort the pet should experience throughout is a possible pinch when the first injection is given. This is in keeping with the true meaning of the word "euthanasia," coming "from the Greek word euthanatos, which means 'good death.'"
How do you know when it's time?
People often ask when is the "right" time for euthanasia. Dr. Ortman prefers the term "best," instead.
Dr. Ortman feels this word better encompasses the truth, that there is usually no 100 percent, objectively correct time for euthanasia. Rather, "we, together, are making the best decision that we could make.”
Deciding when to end a pet's life involves the owner and their veterinarian weighing a number of factors: the animal's current quality of life, what type of disease he or she may be suffering from and how it is likely to progress. Another consideration is what the family is able to endure; if they want every possible second with their pet and will undergo expensive or uncertain treatments, or if they want to forestall their pet's suffering.
If the pet has a condition like congestive heart failure, or untreatable brain cancer — or another disease that will, unchecked, lead to a painful death — the recommendation may be for euthanasia sooner instead of later.
Even then, by and large, your pet won't tell you for sure that it's time; don't expect a clear-as-day sign to let you know. "There’s a subjective period of time in which euthanasia is a good decision.
It's important that you and your vet can have open, honest conversations about euthanasia, to help guide this hard part of the process.
In general, I also tell people to trust their instincts. They know their pets better than anyone. Are they eating? Do they get up to greet you like normal?
No matter what any veterinarian says, they know their pet best.
It's normal for your pet to have good and bad days toward the end. Owners shouldn't feel as if they have done something wrong if the euthanasia takes place on a day their pet is feeling well.
I would much rather somebody plan — we had a good day, went to the park, came home, had the ice cream sandwiches and we let that pet go — than to say, 'OK, let’s play it day by day,' and suddenly I get a call, 'My dog is in distress, can you come today?'" It’s OK to be a good day. There is no perfect time. Nobody will ever know the perfect time.
In some cases, your veterinarian may be able to tell you definitively that it is time to euthanize your pet. In other cases, you may ultimately need to make the decision based on your observations of your pet’s behavior and attitude, especially if your pet...
- Is experiencing chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication (your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet is in pain).
- Has frequent vomiting or diarrhea that is causing dehydration and/or significant weight loss.
- Has stopped eating or will only eat if you force feed him.
- Is incontinent to the degree that he frequently soils himself.
- Has lost interest in all or most of his favorite activities, such as going for walks, playing with toys or other pets, eating treats or soliciting attention and petting from family members.
- Cannot stand on his own or falls down when trying to walk.
- Has chronic labored breathing or coughing.
FAX: (803) 888-7099