DefinitelyDressage.com

Reposting here for those who aren't on the UDBB FB group.

Freeway's finale. I heard back from UC Davis on the postmortem pathology results. He always was the best teaching case. I'm so glad I took him to UCD at the end, I may no longer have the horse, but if in losing the horse, someone can learn something, that's all I can ask for. Maybe he'll be in a veterinary textbook someday.

"Hi Sue,
I've attached the final results for Freeway- he continues to teach us. The histopathologists described a tumor that has not been reported in horses before.
I can't thank you enough for supporting the hospital every step of the way. Please let me know is there are any questions that you have, or if there is anything that I can help you with.

SIGNIFICANT FINAL DIAGNOSES:
RIGHT MANDIBLE: AMELOBLASTIC CARCINOSARCOMA (SEE COMMENT)
ADDENDUM:
The rare and interesting neoplastic mandibular mass demonstrates multiple malignant histologic features, namely a) presumed malignant neoplastic odontogenic epithelium characterized by palisading ameloblasts with nuclei polarized away from basement membrane occasionally lining odontogenic matrix or arranged in plexiform ribbons, and b) a malignant neoplastic mesenchymal cell population that is multifocally closely associated with osteoidal matrix (neoplasm associated osteoid). This latter feature is highly suggestive of osteosarcoma. The neoplastic cell populations have patchy immunoreactivity with both pancytokeratin and vimentin. No classification in the veterinary literature is currently available to characterize/categorize this neoplasm. However, given that there are both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components, this tumor is most consistent with an ameloblastic carcinosarcoma."

Freeway lives on, by teaching. That is a gorgeous picture of him.

It sure is. And what a great note from the vet.

When Sparkleby checks in (is that her DDBB name?) I bet she'll know exactly what the vet was talking about.

Love the picture of Freeway and so amazed and impressed that you were willing to let him continuing teaching...

Sue, God Bless your and Freeway's sweet hearts. I mean that sincerely.

Freeway will touch so many lives. Thank you.

I'm always in awe of your generosity and kind spirit. Youshould be so proud to have given Freeway such a wonderful life (God, look at that magnificent animal!) and a good death that continues his legacy. {{{Quelah}}}

Yes, he was magnificent and perfect.

thank you for sharing freeway with us, quelah!

I am so glad he got to continue teaching in his own way. Sarcomas are nasty and that is interesting that this particular one has not been charaterized in horses before.

Thank you for the update and the beautiful picture.

Susan

Just such a special soul all the way around. What an experience you two have shared.

Thanks for sharing. Your Freeway was a wonderful journey to follow.

Ah, Freeway's final chapter seems to be true to his character - teaching to the end and beyond.

And speaking of chapters, did you ever pursue the idea of writing a book about your adventures with Freeway?

I've opened this a couple of times and haven't come up with the right thing to post, and still haven't.

Freeway was the best. He taught all of us. And you, well you listened from the very beginning, and all the way through. The thing so many don't do so we (maybe I'm speaking for myself) can't even get started. Thanks Quelah. And thank you Freeway.

Yes, I've struggled with what to say. Thank you for sharing again and that is a beautiful photo.

Thank you all for your kind words, he was such a treasure to so many people.

And yes Canyon, I was working on the book until my life sort of went off the rails a couple of years ago when a paroled felon took up residence in the cave across the street from me. Yes, a c.a.v.e. It's a story unto itself. Three successively more beefy restraining orders (I now have a 1,000 yard stay away criminal protective order "That's over half a mile!" said one of the deputies-or as I liked to call them, Officer Hottie du jour) and after some faith in government reaffirming actions by my county, I think that's finally over. I think. So yes, getting back to riding and writing now.

Quelah, that must have been very (VERY) creepy. However, this post is worthless without photos of Hottie du Jour

Glad that it sounds like this problem appears to have been taken care of.