[amandawash]

Make sure whatever they are talking about is not a steroid. That should be saved when there are no options left.

The medication that your vet is most likely talking about is Atopica, which is a cyclosporine. It is a systemic immunosuppresant (sp?). I know the main side effects are GI problems. There are not supposed to be any long-term effects that steroids would cause.

If you wanted to go a more natural route at this time (depending on how severe the symptoms are), I would add omega 3 and 6 fatty acids immediately to her diet. These are natural anti-inflammitories and calms the immune response in the dog.

I would be really leary of the shots. Do a lot of research on that because I have heard from several vets that they aren't very reliable. Not to mention they are spendy and fairly invasive.

I totally misread your post. I thought your vet had recommended the shots or an alternative treatment. Shots are not the only thing they can do. You might want to consider seeing another vet.