Diarrhea, allergies and prednidale

[MarkJDMcQuade]

OK, so in a nutshell, my 3 and a half year old Maine Coon male has a sensitive tummy. It first became apparent he had some health concerns when he was just a year old. So I don't waffle on, here is his history in chronological order..

Early 2012 - started to get very serious skin complaints - scratched himself completely raw around the hear, ears and neck. I had to put socks on his back feet to prevent him tearing himself to bits. Very skinny and underweight. Multiple trips to the vet eventually led him being referred to a specialist who suggested a food allergy. I decided I would start by cutting out ALL fish products, as he ate a lot of fish. His skin cleared up, he gained a few kilograms and the skin complains have never returned, even though I treat him once a week with a bowl of tuna (his dry food now contains no fish products at all).

This year, I moved into a new home with my girlfriend, who also has a cat (a year younger, also male, both are neutered). We were nervous about the move but were very lucky, there has never been a fight and the cats are the best of friends (they sleep together, play together, groom each other).

Around about the time of the move Mylo started getting terrible diarrhea. Like so bad, it's hard to deal with day to day. The smell is unbelievable and he gets it all over his bum and sometimes paws too. No other adverse symptoms, he still plays, eats, drinks, eyes are bright. I took him to the vets and they said he was completely healthy, and prescribed him prednidale 5mg tablets. On the tablets, he is fine, he has even gained some weight and looks very healthy. After a few days of being off them, it's back to square one.

Does anyone know of the long term effects of being on this drug permanently? Or know of any food that is kind to sensitive tummy's as well as being 100% fish free (no fish oils)?

My dilemma is this - when on the pills, he eats what he wants, is a healthier weight, and my home is not turned upside down by his rotten rear end. The alternative is to try him on different foods which he may not eat (lose weight), the other cat may not eat, and may make no difference to his diarrhea problem.

Any help or advice would be appreciated!