A Douglas tramways horse which had a potentially life-threatening rare cancer is now recovering well and has been returned to service thanks to early intervention ‘Philip’, a 12 year-old Clydesdale, was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his right eye last September. Tramways superintendent Mike Crellin alerted vet Raymond Cox of the Milan veterinary practice after noticing the horse’s right eye was watering and causing discomfort. It soon became apparent the horse was not suffering from a routine eye problem. Samples of the abnormal tissue were taken by Mr Cox and sent for laboratory analysis, findings from which confirmed the presence of a cancerous growth affecting Philip’s third eyelid. Mr Cox explained: ‘In a normal horse, each eye has three eyelids – upper, lower and an additional, third, eyelid which is an important structure because it protects the eye and helps distribute tears.’ Surgical removal of the entire third eyelid was considered the most effective treatment option to remove the invasive tumour and prevent its spread. The hour-long procedure, conducted in September 2010 at the tramway stables, was conducted by Leeds-based veterinary ophthalmologist Terry Kinvig, who regularly travels to the Isle of Man to see cases and work alongside Mr Cox. Mr Kinvig said: ‘Usually you would expect to see only a handful of these cases - which mostly affect horses, cattle and cats - in an entire career. However, during the past 12 months in the Isle of Man Ray and I have seen and successfully treated three horses for tumours affecting the third eyelid. Two cases have required surgery, while the third has responded to chemotherapy alone. ‘It’s not a question of the animal maybe losing an eye; this type of cancer is potentially fatal as it will spread throughout an animal’s entire system unless picked up quickly and treated.’ Philip recovered well from the operation. In some cases chemotherapy is required in addition to surgery, but samples taken several months later from Philip confirmed that no tumour cells were identified from the surgical site. Mr Kinvig said the tumour may have developed following exposure to high levels of UV light (sunlight) in a structure (the third eyelid) that lacks natural protective pigmentation. He continued: ‘It’s thought that heavily pigmented tissues are at a much reduced risk of developing this type of tumour because the pigment gives protection from the harmful effects of UV light.’ Mr Crellin added: ‘Following the operation Philip was regularly monitored by Terry and Ray through the winter then returned to regular duties as soon as this year’s horse tram service began in May.’ Mr Cox said: ‘In common with many tumours, the longer the animal remains tumour free following surgery, the more favourable the outlook becomes. It’s been nine months since Philip’s operation and he is back on duty. He’s not out of the woods yet, but so far, so good…Keep an eye out for him on the promenade this summer.’ Leisure services committee chairman Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘We’re very grateful to the tramways team for their vigilance and to Raymond Cox and Terry Kinvig for their prompt action and expertise in treating one of the tram service’s much loved horses, which are so much a part of the summer season on Douglas Promenade.’ Philip is one of Douglas Borough Council’s stable of 26 tram horses and three young horses and has served as a ‘trammer’ for eight years. This year’s horse tram service, the 135th, will run daily until September 18 from 9am to 6pm. ENDS