I had to have my cat put to sleep today. He was 16.5 and had been treated for a suspected brain tumour for the last 12 months or so. He'd been on Metacam for terrible long-term arthritis for the last 5-6 years or so but moved to steroids about 3 months ago as the fits were becoming almost daily. The steroids helped with the fits. He'd been off his food this week and throwing up what he did eat but his stomach was terribly distended today and he was holding his front paws funny. I took him to the out of hours vet at lunchtime fearing the worst (he didn't howl like he did at his last check up a month ago). Lovely vet said he was severely anaemic and the circulation was so bad in his front paws that they were freezing cold. His stomach was full of gas. He could still walk around and was attentive but was more wobbly than usual. There was nothing we could do which didn't involve investigations I couldn't have put him through. He died peacefully in my arms snuggled into a blanket and he gave a little sigh as the injection hit. I kissed him on his head and said goodbye. I haven't stopped crying since. 
The purpose of this post was to ask anyone with knowledge (vet etc) what it might have been that caused those symptoms. I know it doesn't really matter and in reality no-one can really say. The brain tumour was only an observational diagnosis because it wasn't appropriate to put him through scanning but the vet was pretty convinced. Secondary cancer? Heart problems? I know Metacam can cause issues and he'd been on it for so long that I'm amazed he lasted as he did. I was too upset to ask the vet at the time and I didn't really think it mattered anyway. It still doesn't but I'd just like an idea. Thank you for reading.
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The litter tray
My poor boy
Pigeonpost · 11/12/2017 00:05
Sorry I've no answers or knowledge but that sounds like a peaceful ending.
So hard to make that decision 
for you and puss cat.
I've no answers here, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss and how kind and brave you were to do the right thing for your lovely puss 
I’m so sorry for your loss of your beloved cat, I can’t help on the medical side but maybe if you e mailed you vet with your questions?they will understand that you were too distraught at ask at the time. You were obviously a caring and loving owner who did everything you possibly could for your lovely cat, I’m sure he felt very loved and safe with you at the end. Thinking of you
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