I also try to avoid steroids too, but have used them briefly in the past and do see their benefits and well as see their problems.

I keep Prednisone in the house at all times for one dog in case she needs it. She has Cushing's disease and if her cortisol (steroidal hormone) drops too low, then I am to give her Prednisone because she could easily go Addisonian, or could die. A friend of mine has a dog with Addison's which is where the dog produces too little cortisol or none at all and the treatment is steroids because the dog's body just does not produce enough normal steroids.

JFK had Addison's and I wonder what they used back in the 60's for that. Anyone know????

Cathy