Hi there, is there anyone out there with experience of the above disease?  My dog has had this disease for 6 years now and has been controlled with steroids as Atopica did not do a thing for him but he seems to be getting worse and My vet wanted to put my dog down last night and I am desparate to see if there is anything else I can do for my 9 yr old German Shepherd

My sister had a shepherd that had this condition. Its a horrible disease and it too was controlled by steroids, which she was never happy with because she never liked the idea of long term steroids. I don't know how bad your dog is but my sisters dog was not put down because of it. she lived until she was 12 and it was her back legs that gave way in the end.

I also know a westie that had it, also on steroids. That didnt die from it either but again I have no comparison with your dog. Google as much as you can and I'm sure someone will be along on here that has personal experience of it.

Sister of a friend of mine managed it in Leonbergers with Aloe Vera Gel and Echinacea supplements.

A good Friend took this approach after their GSD relapsed following expensive cryosurgery.

The Aloevera just seemed to keep ti from getting worse or from the dog being uncomfortable.

The Echinacea is supposed to boost the immune system generally.

He was operated on at three years old and died of natural causes last year at about 12.

Hi, my male GSD has it, he has had it since he was 3 and is now almost 8.  Its horrific and although under control on Atopica everyday now and occasional steriods, I am sure that one day these drugs will stop helping him. Every 6 weeks he goes in for a sedation and a shave and clean up - they shave all the hair around his bum, trousers and dock to create a airflow under his tail to help the area stay dry as he holds his tail so tight to his bottom and it 'sweats' underneath which does not help.  He looks a bit odd but we don't care.  It is too stressful for it to be done without sedation and obvioulsy very painfull too.  I recently attended a GSD Research day which covered this disease and the possible causes of it ie. genetics and stress.  It may be worth contacting Dorothy Cullum www.cermar.co.uk who may be able to recommend a vet who you dog could be refered too.  Your options are surgery, further use of Atopica, an anti-biotic (Dororthy will remember the name of it as sorry I can't) and prednisolone/medrone.  Nizarol combined with Atopica is also an option and would keep the costs down as you know Atopica is very expensive.  For AF, atopica should be given 2 times more the normal dose for skin problems, was this the dose he was given?
I tried the Aloe Gel (forever living) and Echinacea.  I also tried a homeopathic vet who promised she could improve him in 6 months but she couldnt help him in the end. I am open minded to all things so even now would try anything.  He did respond a little to a cream the vet gave me called Protopic and also a spray 'Cortavance'. Hopefully, you will have insurance as all these things are costly.  My heart goes out to you and your dog and I hope you are able to give him a few more comfortable years.  Some vets are more knowledgable than others with certain diseases, its always worth seeking a second opinion especially if having him PTS has been discussed.  Let me know how you get on.