hair loss

Question
lola is a 4yr havannesse who has always had a thick beautiful coat. Approx 8 months ago a groomer shaved her down saying she was too matted..I disagree! Since then her hair growth has been minimal. The vets say its allergies and have her on antibiotics and steroids..but it doesn't seem to  seem to be doing much and they have yet to find any other  solutions..Her skin is also very dry and crusty..My question is: Is it possible that the groomer burned her skin with the steel blades. The only place her hair seems to be growing much at all is on her legs and face..the new groomer is using a medicated shampoo on her that is helping with the crusty skin removal,. seems to be flaky off and her skin looks much better.. any advise appreciated..Thank you  Jodi

Answer
I don't know what condition Lola's hair was in before the cut but from my experience I would never shave a dog with out the owners permission, but I have had to turn dogs away because they were simply too matted to do anything other than shave them and the owner wouldn't give the permission.  
Clipper burn is always a risk, if the groomer doesn't switch blades or use a cooling spray.  Blade burn wouldn't cause the problems you now have though.
Many dogs, when matted, have very irritated skin, you may not have even noticed if the hair was covering it up.  Alot of dog owners don't realize the extent of matting when dogs come in with mats.
Mats pull at the skin and I have seen dogs with bald spots after they have been cleared of their mats.  The crusty skin though does point to either allergies or a skin infection.  Some dogs have these problems (especially purebreds) for their entire life.  
If your vets treatment doesn't seem to be working I would get a second opinion from another vet.  The medicated shampoo does seem to help with crusty skin but I doubt it will treat the underlying cause.  Also, I would suggest making sure your dog is eating a high end food.  I have seen dog's skin and coat do a 180 after being switched to high quality food.  Nutro is a good on that's not outrageously priced.  If your dog is already eating a good food, definitely check with another vet and see if they have any other ideas that your first vet didn't.
The groomer may have been careless with the groom, I have no way of knowing, but the problems your Lola is having now definitely is a separate issue.
If you need anything else let me know.  i hope she gets better.