dcapper, i've seen a sheltie with a similar problem. She is suppose to be on pred every day but her owner doesn't like to keep her on it because he thinks its is doing harm to her. HOWEVER, he's the one doing the damage by taking her off it all the time. Instead of her protein draining into her belly it drains into her chest. She used to come in once every couple months to get her chest taped but now she's been coming in more frequently because her dad keeps stopping the meds
its very sad. she gets so uncomfortable and can't breath because the fluid is compressing her lungs.
Pred is a very useful drug in controlling problems like this. it does more good then harm if you can get them to the lowest dosage that works. i've seen many dogs live long happy lives for many many years on pred with no other problems.
good luck to you guys