My 13 year old diabetic cat Al was hospitalized recently for a week. The
diagnosis was pancreatitis. The vet also performed an ultrasound and
found what he thinks is a benign cyst. Question: is exploratory surgery
the only way the vet can determine whether or not the cyst is benign?

Maintaining Al's blood glucose level has also been problematic.
Yesterday he became hypoglycemic. A little prednisone and syrup brought
Al around. I also gave him prednisone this morning to ward off another
episode. The vet thinks, but doesn't with certainty, that the pancreatic
cyst is "functional" in that it might be causing the pancreas to produce
an excessive amount of insulin. Btw, I asked the vet about insulinoma
but neither he nor a consulting verterinary internist think that's the
problem.

At this point my big concern is that Al is not eating very much. I have
also noticed that Al has some kind of upper respiratory infection. He's
sniffling a lot, has sneezed more than normal, and has some clear
discharge from his eyes. I don't know whether the infection is bacterial
or viral, but Al is also taking Clavamox just in case. Another question:
could the respiratory infection account for Al's diminished appetite?

I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to proceed. I'm trying to avoid at all
costs taking Al back to the vet because he hates it so much and causes
him much stress and anxiety. I've already spent in excess of $2,000 on
his medical care in just the last week. I don't have endless reserves of
money and so am beginning to think about euthanasia as a possibility if
he fails to show signs of improvement.

This time is proving to be very stressful for Al and me. I'm very
worried about going to work tomorrow. I'd stay home, but I must attend
an important meeting. I will be sure to give Al prednisone tonight and
tomorrow morning before I leave. Any constructive feedback would be
greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Rich