A TRAMWAYS horse which developed a potentially life threatening form of cancer in its eye has returned to service after treatment.
Philip, a 12 year old Clydesdale, who has been on the Douglas Horse Trams for eight years, was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his right eye in September.
It was noticed by tramways superintendent Mike Crellin who spotted that Philip's eye was watering and causing him discomfort.
Raymond Cox, a vet at the Milan Veterinary Practice, took samples of the abnormal tissue in Philip's eye and sent it for laboratory analysis where it was revealed that the horse had a cancerous growth in his third eyelid.
It is believed that the tumour developed following exposure to high levels of UV light.
Leeds-based veterinary ophthalmologist Terry Kinvig, who regularly travels to the Isle of Man to see cases and work alongside Mr Cox, surgically removed the third eyelid which protects the eye and helps distribute tears.
The procedure, which took place in September, took an hour and Philip recovered well from the operation and did not need chemotherapy. Samples taken several months after the operation confirmed that the tumour had gone.
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."
Following the operation Philip was regularly monitored by Terry and Ray through the winter and returned to regular duties when the horse tram season began in May.
Mr Cox continued: "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."
Councillor Stephen Pitts, the leisure services committee chairman, 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."
This year's horse tram service, the 135th, will run daily from 9am to 6pm until September 18.
