Has any one any ideas how to deal with coat funk in an Alaskan Malamute?

I have been trying to research this online and with little information available. My females coat has not been blowing correctly and yes i have consulted the vet regarding this and further test are being taken next week. Her fur is breaking and coming out in bald patches and guard hairs are breaking and coming out also when coat coming out her soft undercoat is then coming out when plucked. She is also suffering from her tail not being able to raise up further than 45 degrees and not in her usual plume over her back. She has been prescribed anti-infamatries and pain killers so far and no improvement. Next week the vet will refere us to the Royal VeterinaryCollege in Bristol, UK for further investigation as she thinks it could be hormonal or thyroid function problems or even neurological problems. If anyone has any ideas then any info or help will be great, Oh one last thing she has not had any trauma to her tail as she is with me 24 hours a day and has not been out of my sight. Thanks to anyone who answers in advance thank-you xxx.