Least how sad for you and your other animals as they go thought the grief to.
I remember when I had to make the decision to put down Timmy he was my all black kitty he had crystals in his kidneys and according to the vets if I waited to long he would be in a lot of pain. He also said if I had around a thousand bucks they would operate but it probably would end up coming back.
Making that decision was one of the most painful times in my life so I feel for ya.
Thanks for staying in touch w/SR so we all know your OK