Thank you to everyone who has given encouragement and advice on the above.  I have tried unsuccessfully to login as a member (after going thro the process at work at the end of the day!) so I am afraid due to pressure of time will have to remain a visitor for now.  Bye the way sorry if I confused folk - but I posted 2 mesages (5 & 6 Jan) by mistake!
Poppy looked as if 'it was her time' at the beginning of this wk, which after only being diagnosed on the 23.12 was pretty awful - however I am thrilled to say that she has cheered up since then (in fact was very perky at her vet appointment). 
I was a little perturbed by one owners comment that the vet should have advise us on side-effects from steriods.  I under on a low dosage of 15mg on short term usage that the only SE's would be increased appetite and thirst.  Plse advise.  Thank you {Polly} I shall follow up the contacts you have suggested.

Many thanks - I can't tell u how supporting it is to have someone to 'talk' to other than the vet.  Other people mean well, but if your 'little girl' is your close companion then people are not able to empathise.

I will keep you posted on Poppy's development.

Many thanks

Angela and Poppy

Sorry to hear you didn't manage to register today.

As to steroids, yes there are side effects but speaking from my experience using them on Rosebud, all I did see was as your vet said increased thirst and appetite.

When Rosebud was a young bitch of about 14 months she got a chronic infection and nearly died. She was given steroids and was on a much higher doseage than you are giving Poppy. Your vet will be aware of the side effects and I am sure will advise you accordingly.

Polly