Sniffing out special care

My 10-year-old dog was recently diagnosed with a spindle cell tumour of the skin. My vet feels this will be better dealt with by a specialist, as she has little experience of this tumour. How do vets become specialists and how do I know their level of experience?

- DR DAVID GRANT

Spindle cell tumour is a broad term for several skin tumours. Referral is often suggested, as these tumours are difficult to cure without radical surgery and some need additional radiotherapy.

When I qualified, referrals tended to be to one of the university veterinary colleges, with only four in England at the time. There was a need for post graduate clinical training and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons introduced certificates, requiring at least three years of study.

Later, specialist diplomas were added. Around 2011 these were phased out in favour of qualifications gained by post graduate training and examination for either a European or American diploma.