Haven't had anything to say for a while, everythings still been up in the air, Ellie's come close to being put down mercifully twice now. but prednisone has been staving off new owies, tho it makes the old slow to heal. When I saw her today she came barking to the door and jumping on me & making her loving sounds, last visit when I took the ratties was the first time she didn't greet me that way. She still has owies all over (one horrible gash on the back of her neck from a biopsy) that aren't healing because of prednisone, shaved here & there, but no new horrors and she didn't stink of infection this time like last time. And Ellie's eating like a pig (prednisone effects I'm told) and regaining weight. My sister found a vet who is a skin specialist here, he may be able to help with diagnosis.
I'm SO grateful for your prayers or good hopes, they seem to be working.