Dilema: Prednisone use

Hi folks!

As you know my two littermate kittes who are almost 17 have just recovered from their 3rd bout of pancreatitis. My male cat suffers from sluggish bowel/megacolon, so when he has the runs, I knew it's due to pancreatitis.

Now, for some reason, he continued having the runs in between bouts, so we kept him on prednisone, once a day (I think low dose--5mgs? Will check the bottle). When his pancreatitis was confirmed, I upped them to 2 (one morning, one evening) upon vet suggestion. That helped diarrhea (Along with metronitozole which I've stopped) and I attempted to back off one prednisone. The rules were more diarrhea. Now, this could have been because we hadn't gotten the blood work back yet on his pancreatitis.

My issue is, for no reason, the past 2 days I've gone to given him his medication--and he's AMAZING with pills--he's yelped when I've opened his mouth and then looked at me with huge eyes and run off. I am heartbroken that he's seemingly scared! Upon doing more research of long term prednisone use, I am wondering if this is causing him fear  

I want him comfortable and not fearful, but having chronic diarrhea won't help him either and I'm not sure what else is going on in his bowels to cause this(We don't want to do too much testing given his age). I will be calling my vet in the morning and just keep continuing with his cuddles and reassuring him---but have any of you had a cat become fearful on prednisone? He's normally a laid back kitty but can be a bit worried about things--but NEVER at me. My first kitty was on depo prednisone for skin related allergies in her older years and she never showed any signs of personality change.

He's only been on prednisone for a month. I may give him a half a pill in his second dose tomorrow after work--I don't want to change anything tonight as I have a busy day tomorrow. He's doing well otherwise--eating, drinking even has energy. I got him and his sister both toys tonight because I knew it would be nice for them (yes, I'm a sap). He's just come in for a short cuddle and now back in the porch.

My other thought is, he was feeling so lousy, maybe he's just tired of things? I had the vet look at his teeth, and while they aren't great, she didn't see anything that would cause him pain (First thing I checked)

Any help would be great

our cat is 17 and he's on prednisolone for IBS.  we have it compounded into a flavored liquid by the compounding pharmacy.  we've tried tuna and chicken, but he hates them both.  that being said, it's easier to get it into him as a liquid, but he, too, often tries to run away and sometimes he'll complain vocally.  he REALLY hates the pred.  maybe that's it for your cat.

Cats hate being forced to take medication. It could be that for whatever reason, this particular dose was more uncomfortable than other doses. 

I wonder if he needs some probiotics? Perhaps ask your vet if Fortiflora would be appropriate.  

He's been taking pills for motility since he was 2 yrs old, diagnosed with megacolon. He's been a champ with pills---NEVER had an issue. This JUST started after dropping the metronitozole on Sunday.  I'm a bit confused as to why he's got the runs and slow motility at the same time, but it can happen with cats with megacolon. He's maintaining a good weight--I just wonder if he's just feeling better and not wanting to stay where he was when he was feeling sick. I can understand that.

Will keep you posted and thanks for your help