Golden Retriever Hair/Skin ailement

Question
My girlfriend takes her dog to the sound for fetch and retrieve.  Almost everyday.  She said her hair has this strange design on one side like
a crop circle and seems to have gotten worse since they have been making regular trips to the water.  (They live near the puget sound)

They took the Golden Lab to the vet and they don't seem to know what it is.  Any suggestions as to a cause?  Do doesn't seem to feel well either.  

Answer
If the vet cannot properly diagnose the case, then a skin biopsy should be done so that a pathologist can tell the vet what type of skin problem exists.

In addition, there are veterinary dermatologists that specialize in skin diseases and there are some in Washington State.  Ask your vet for a referral.