Would you like a breakdown of a thorough vet skin workup?

I've just been noticing a lot of skin related topics being posted and was just wondering if anyone would like an average breakdown of what your vet should do the approach for a standard skin workup? Lists some of the questions the vet would ask you, what tests they might do, how long the full workup would take etc. so you have an idea of what your should be getting from your vet and also what to expect so you're not let down by the lack of a 'quick fix'.

Let me know if anyone would be interested and I'll get to work typing something up.

Be good, but would the vets in South Africa and England do the same kind of tests, thats the question? But then again, it would be interesting to see what you say and what our vets say.

Input and new topics are always welcome, type something up

They should. Most skin conditions are relatively universal - fleas, ear infections, Sarcoptes and Demodex mange, food allergies or adverse food reactions, atopy, contact dermatitis etc. I can't imagine that much of it would be different from a diagnosis point of view, some of the drugs might differ slightly though.

Please, by all means the more input we get about this matters the better for everyone.

I'm working on it, trying to make it as comprehensive and useful as I can.

Brilliant idea Nina. I am sure you would have a lot of insight as you are studying to be a vet at Onderstepoort if I recall right. For those who dont know, Onderstepoort Veterinary institute is world renowned and is aligned with the Royal College of Veterinary science in the UK.

If anyone has any clue what is causing this problem, I'd be grateful to hear.
Looks like the vet tests haven't confirmed or found anything.

That looks very uncomfortable, has the vet tested for mange, I dont know what it could be ?

Tested for everything that can be thought of, as far as I know.
He's not scratching it or anything but I'm sure it can't be comfortable.

Could be a lot of things, thats the problem with skin disorders.

First thing, breed of the dog, age, how long has the dog had this, getting worse quickly or slower? Whats tests have been done? Whats meds have been tried and have any of them helped, even a little?

I'll have to get back to you on that - he's a terrier in at the rescue and has just gone out on foster.
Will ask.
Thanks.

Looks like demodex or sarcoptic mange. However I'm sure they would have tested for this first. However as far as I know Demodex can not show up on the first scrape and can then show up on another one. If he is not itchy or rubbing himself then there must be a reason the hair is falling out. Something must be effecting his hair at the follicles.