Skin Rash... Cortisone & Ovaban not options

My 11 yr. old Smokey has chronic liver disease, so she is on Prescription Diet LD to keep her liver "calm". During the last several months, she has developed a red, itchy skin rash that began in her tummy area, but now is confined to her eyes and ears.

The problem is this... she can't take the normally prescribed cortisone shot, as it would risk the health of her liver. So, our vet prescribed Ovaban... however, we have discovered it causes her side effects of VERY cranky and ravenous behavior, not pleasant for any of us!!! Our vet said it could be a food allergy, but if we switch her off the LD, we again run the risk of her liver becoming inflamed. He has researched and doesn't know of any other possibilities to keep the rash at bay, besides a 2% topical cortisone cream to control the itch as best as possible when the rash is present. Does anyone have any recommendations to keep the rash from appearing (other medications)? I'm also willing to try natural remedies, etc...

Thanks!!!
Summer

I don't have an answer for you but here are a few thoughts: In your vet's research, did he contact other vets for more ideas? If not, maybe you could ask about that. If it's an option, you could seek the opinion of another vet yourself. Also, is there a university with a vet program nearby that you or yor vet could contact (if one is not nearby, you could at least call and explain your dilemma)? They may be willing to help since you cannot find an answer through your own vet.
I hope that your kitty gets some help!
Vikki

Vikki, thanks for the suggestions! Yes, my husband has been pushing me to get a 2nd opinion, which I've decided to do even though it makes me feel like a traitor to my vet But, my Smokey's well-being is more important!

Has anyone heard of Moducare Sterinol??? It's an immune boosting supplement (all-natural) that you buy at health food stores, and I read on their web site (www.moducare.com) that vets are using it quite often to treat FIV kitties. I've also read a testimonial of someone who supplemented her dog's diet due to cancer. My thought is that if it's an immune boosting supplement, why couldn't it help for any ailment, like allergies? Of course, I'll check with my vet on this too.

Thanks again!
Summer