Well, we're back from the vet, and Scoville called it: some undetermined irritant under her collar, exacerbated by the recent torrentially rainy conditions (ie, damp environment), ultimately causing the yuckiness. She shaved the immediate area, instructed me to clean it with hydrogen peroxide twice a day, followed by antibiotic ointment, and 25mg of Benadryl administered orally twice a day (first dose was taken VERY easily when embedded in a small wodge of Stilton; Lucy is a cheese-loving dog who lives for her occasional morsels!).

I could have saved myself the vet's fee & just listened to you all; thanks so very much for the advice AND the support, it's good to "talk" to other dog-minded people!

Cheers,

~D