Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #11

Q:

A while back you had a great informational piece about hoof management for Baby Z. I was wondering what you do to take care of his teeth? Do horses have baby teeth they lose to make room for permanent teeth like humans?

Vicki Vinson

Apple Valley, CA

A: The oral cavity of a young growing horse is undergoing constant change. Unlike humans, horses have hypsodont teeth that are constantly erupting. From the time a foal is born to the time the horse is an adult, the number of teeth increases from 0-6 as a foal to 36-44 as a full mouthed adult. The average horse has a full mouth of 36-44 teeth (4 rows of 11) by the age of 4 years. During the first four years, it is important to routinely evaluate the oral cavity for congenital (born with) and developmental (acquired) disorders. If congenital and developmental disorders are not identified and addressed early, they may lead to more severe disorders.

A newborn foal is born with few teeth. The first incisors may be present at birth or can be just below the gingival surface. The first incisors typically erupt through the gingiva around 6-8 days of life. All of the incisors should be present by 6-9 months of age. The same is true for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th pre-molars. They may be present at birth but they are generally exposed by two weeks of age. Three permanent molars erupt caudal (behind) to the premolars at 1, 2 & 3.5-4 years respectively.

Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

As Baby Z grows up his teeth will be examined periodically to insure that they are erupting in the proper place, size and number. All foals at Lane’s End are examined at birth for any oral abnormalities. Foals are monitored daily for any illnesses or injuries and that includes the oral cavity. As Baby Z becomes a yearling he will have an oral exam performed twice a year to monitor normal tooth wear and eruption. If necessary, sharp enamel points that form on the outside of the upper tooth arcades and the inside of the lower tooth arcades will be reduced. This is most commonly known as “teeth floating.” Baby Z may also have his wolf-teeth or first pre-molars removed before he enters light breaking and training. Wolf-teeth may cause him discomfort when a bit is placed in his mouth and that could interfere with his training.

Routine oral care is a critical part of any annual wellness program. With oral exams once to twice a year, Baby Z will be sure to have a beautiful set of pearly whites to smile with in the winners circle!

Our Expert

Ernie Martinez II DVM

Hagyard Equine Dentistry

Dr. Martinez graduated from the Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. He completed an ambulatory internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and became a Field Care Associate in 2004. His practice includes emergency field medicine, herd health and wellness, neonatal foal care, mare and stallion reproduction, and equine dentistry. Dr. Martinez is actively involved with veterinary medicine organizations, holding positions in the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners and the National American Association of Equine Practitioners. His wife practices small animal emergency medicine in Lexington, KY. They live in Versailles with their three year old son and two dogs.

Reader Interactions

889 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Anyway, On this Video Motion talks about Animal Kingdom and Better Talk Now. It is great I will keep trying to post it. If anyone can please post it.

  2. / Reply

    Hi, folks! I’m sorry to say that I am way behind in reading the Blog, but I’m checking in to wish our dear Ingrid a happy birthday today!

    A Birthday Poem for Ingrid Arnone
    (September 13, 2012)

    Dearest Ingrid,
    Today
    We all you bid
    The happiest birthday,
    One you’ll never forget.
    We hope you’ll place a bet
    Like you for the Derby did
    That yields you a big winner
    And may you then celebrate
    This special date
    With a scrumptious dinner.

    Happy birthday, Ingrid, and may you Have Many Another!

  3. / Reply

    Thank you again to Lane’s End for a great educational lesson. I can read these to my classes. It can be a science lesson : )
    I hope all in my Z Family are doing GREAT !!! I have 140 children this year so I am so busy. I wanted to tell my Z Family that when I was at Darley this summer, with Dawn, they gave me books to take back to my classes. These books have all kinds of information about Darley, Horses andthe Darley kids website. The children can design their own Jockey colors, draw horses, get information on a horses skeleton, hearing,teeth and all kinds of other really engaging activities. The children LOVE IT !!! I just wanted my Family to know what has been going on in Homeroom 215. Love, Shari

      • / Reply

        Peggy and Sign,

        Maybe I am being to feeble minded, but a race this long makes me very nervous! What do you two think? Am I overly sensitive?

        • Dear Darlene,
          In Euro land I think it is more common.
          Remember much less chance of injury on the
          Turf and Euros are trained for stamina.

          When training they go to a different track
          Everyday and run on the turf track as well as
          All the hills and dales of the land around
          The tracks.

          We do have the San Juan Capitrano that may
          Be that long.

  5. / Reply

    @Ingrid Arnone–the happiest of birthdays to you! Hope you have something good planned.

    @Trina N. thank you for the poem. We miss you!

    @Shari V.–thanks for checking in. We miss you during your busy time. Glad you are gettting the students up to speed on all things Z.

    Hugs to all.

  6. / Reply

    Interesting information. Thankyou.

    Does anyone know why 12Z has that green tape on his halter!! I always notice it in his pictures!!

    • / Reply

      To pick him out of the “bunch” ;-) If the foal had been a girl, I’m sure they would have used pink! Next time…. a girl :o)))

      Auntie JAG

  7. / Reply

    Tweets out of Woodbine on a new pony!
    Lava Man now has company in his new role!
    Retired 2008 Woodbine Mile champ Rahy’s Attorney strolls the backstretch in his new role as a pony
    Rahy’s Attorney winner of $2.3 million joins in the pony ranks for trainer Ian Black

    • / Reply

      Keta. This was the plan when he retired last year with an injury. Glad that he got the job. He’s a great horse who loves the racetrack.

      • / Reply

        Max,
        It was so good reading that–life after retirement!
        Are you okay?
        You’ve been quiter than usual the last couple of days.
        Just letting you know I care.
        Keta

        • Keta. I am getting caught up on my sleep after Paynter’s illness. I hope that he is still on the mend. That horse is tough like Big D. It’s a miracle.

        • Max,
          That is good news-catching up on sleep!
          Missed your insights & sharing of history.
          Just wanted to make sure you are okay.
          Keta

    • / Reply

      Keta. RA has his work as a pony cut out for him. The horses at Woodbine are sometimes even more herd animals than most. If one acts out, they all immediately do it as if it were planned in advance. They also routinely toss their riders, jump the fences and run back to the barns. They need outriders to chase them down before they head over the fences. I listened to some commentators at Woodbine say that they have never seen this degree of combined group action at any other tracks. RA probably knows this already. Tasty Temptation is also a graduate of Woodbine.

      • / Reply

        That’s so interesting, Max. So the Woodbine gang is different, and Tasty was part of it. I wonder if something happened, to motivate them to develop the learning to do it, or if they were given more herd opportunity, than horses at other tracks, and it grew out of that.

      • / Reply

        Max,
        Saw the herd reaction yesterday.
        One horse started wheeling around-others started.
        I didn’t see any catch ponies. Do they have them?
        Most interesting adventure to watch lately was loading 2 year olds in gate.
        Some seem to completely forget gate training pre-race.
        Starters had their hands full & did an amazing job.
        Took a little longer than usual.
        That’s part of the fun-each track, each race is a different experience.
        Keta

        • Keta. Yes, they have ponies but these TBs are very clever and can give them the slip pretty fast. I get the impression that the ponies are sometimes in league with the TBs against people. It’s funny. The main mischief makers seem to be the 2 year olds. You have to watch the post parade on tv to see this. The first time that I saw a jumper I was surprised but the commentator said that it happens a lot during practice and the horses just head back to their barns. Have never seen Musketier acting out, but I read that he stays in a pen outside of his trainer’s office so that he can be part of the action and not be bored. He has teddy bears with him.

      • / Reply

        Max,
        Love hearing this story. My rebellious ways were contained by an Off Track Pony.
        Good luck RA,keep em in line buddy.

        Max, our guy…crescent moon mischief maker is starting to look more “goof ball” to me.
        I believe he adores ,Alys. have you noticed how he turns into a camera ham when she comes around w/ the camera and camcorder?

        • Ann. Crescent Moon Guy cannot be trusted. Goofy look is a ruse. He knows what he is doing. Hold on to your peppermints, Alys, or just hand them all over to CMG.

  8. / Reply

    Today’s humor courtesy of Lava Man
    Lava Man‏ tweet
    A hotwalker is afraid of the black cat that keeps walking across his path.
    I will give him Kibble to keep doing it & making me nicker

  11. / Reply

    dear judy thanks very much for the article on camelot we’re all getting very excited over here thinking wemight have a triple crown winner for the 1st time in 42yrs my dad was very fond of the great nijinsky camelot is by montjeu who sadly passed awaylast march he was well known for producing derby winners montjeu was a grand son of northern dancer nijinskys sire let me know what happens with papa charlie hope all goes well with him love and hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Rooting for Camelot. I remember reading about Montjeu’s passing. I will let you know how things are progressing with Papa Charlie’s rescue. Thank you for caring and for your friendship. Love and Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Sheena. Nijinsky was a great horse, bred and born in Oshawa, Ontario, a city east of Toronto. He was very quirky like Montjeu. I think that Camelot will get the mile and three quarters, but I still hope that Thought Worthy gets it first. Win it for Big D!

  13. / Reply

    We just toured Old Friends and the Kentycky Horse Museaum. What winderful places to see…expecially those lovely old guards at OF.
    Lots of positive comments about our Zenny at both places….she is so beloved.

    • / Reply

      Sue and Tony,y

      Ky Horse Park is absolutely amazing. So glad you got to visit. I have not yet visited Old Friends, but hope to in the near future. Did you see Cigar at Ky Horse Park?

    • / Reply

      Really beautiful. I loved the photos of Point of Entry and Stay Thirsty as they are my favorites, but they are all great ones.

    • / Reply

      Eveline, These are absolutely beautiful photos as are Barbara Livingston’s. Don’t think I would have any trouble getting up to go to work at Saratoga during racing season. I certainly hope the ladies here who have been talking about meeting up there next summer are able to do it. Thank you for this link. Marty R

      • / Reply

        Marty,

        I . for one. am really hoping to get to do that. Would be just absolutely lovely if you could join us. You have plenty of time to think and plan about it.

    • / Reply

      Eveline,

      Spectacular!! Thank you so much for sharing! Fort Larned, Strike Gold are two I really like! All of the photos were just amazing.

    • / Reply

      Thanks so much for the gorgeous pictures Eveline! A real treat (especially to someone who has never seen anything like this “live”!)
      Sandy

  15. / Reply

    hi max how are you?you really love bigD dont you i looked him up the other night and he was an awesome stallion also watched a film of his memorial service heard that snow fairy will most probably go in the arc next{she was 3rd last year} try and catch up on your sleep!!goodnight hugs sheena

  16. / Reply

    Keta, just love Lava Man. I just got my Twitter app downloaded, now I need to know what to do next. Can’t wait to be able to follow Lava Man, Paynter and everyone!

  19. / Reply

    I will be out of touch for a while ….so Zenny….eat exercise rest….keep spa appt.
    The sale has been great…..magnificent animals…
    Happiest of Birthdays where appropriate ….Get well where needed…
    Keep fighting Paynter….
    Best of luck to all of us who are moving…or hoping yo
    Zentastics…..this weeks a tough one for me
    we are headed to Arkansas to house hunt and say a final goodbye to my mom……
    who left us peacefully in her sleep yesterday evening ….she was a fiesty 90…and lived life her way ….we could all use a little of that…
    as always ….kisses for all soft noses worldwide….

    • / Reply

      carol. I am sorry to hear this news of your mother. It is very sad to have to say goodbye, but someday we will all be together again with our loved ones. Take care of yourself in the meantime.

    • / Reply

      Good luck, Carol, with Arkansas and saying goodbye to your mom. We’ll be here waiting, for you to let us know where you land, and how it went.

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol,
      So sorry about the loss of your mother. Sounds as though she was quite a lady.
      Thoughts and prayers sent your way.
      Good luck househunting. We will miss you.
      Take care and hugs.

    • / Reply

      Carol, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I’m sure she saw and lived a lot during her ninety years. God’s blessings to you and your family. Also best wishes to you in your house hunting. We’ll all be here waiting for your return. Safe travels. Marty R

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol:

      My deepest condolences on your Mom’s passing. What a life. Don’t know anything about her, but given a great daughter – you – she must have been something. Safe travels and relocations. We await your return.

      Sincerely,

      Diana Stuart
      (diastu in tempe)

    • / Reply

      Carol,
      I’m so sorry about your mother. It’s hard not to be there (I know from personal experience), but I’m glad that you will have the memory of a peaceful passing. We will all miss you. Good luck with the house hunting – don’t make any rash decisions. When it’s
      “right,” you will know.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Carol,

      My deepest sympathy to you and your famIly for the loss of your mom.
      Good luck with the house hunting. Take care.

      • / Reply

        Carol, sorry to hear about your mother passing. Sounds like she lived a good life and she passed in peace. Good luck with your house hunting. Like everyone else, we’ll be here waiting for your return. Love and hugs…

    • / Reply

      Carol in Utah soon to be somewhere else,

      I am very sorry for the loss of you mother. How fortunate to have a long life and a peaceful passing.
      Best of luck finding that “somewhere else” to live.
      Get back as soon as you can..we’ll miss you.
      Love & Hugs. Mary

    • / Reply

      Carol, I’m so sorry for your loss. Take care in this difficult time. Glad your mom passed away peacefully after a good life.

  21. / Reply

    Carol,

    I am so sorry for your loss. God bless your Mom and you and your family. I am sending a big HUG for you. Again, so sorry for your loss.

  22. / Reply

    Writing to you one-handed askint you to network this far and wide. Equine Welfare Alliance, headed by John Holland, is holidng an important conference in Vegas on September 21, 22, 23, and he needs attendees.
    I went to this conference last year in VA where I networked and made helpful contacts. This year’s lineup of speakers is excellent. Meet the leaders in our field of work. Question them, help them. We won’t have a march on The Dept of Interior/BLM but we can be heard at this event. The Los Angeles Times will be covering the event.

    Cost is very low. Registration is $175 and $100 for students. Meetings happen at the U of Nev in Vegas. Rooms are anywhere from $29 to $59 per night, in a small hotel used by the Univ for its conferences. The hotel hs jitney service to the school each day.
    Here is the website that shows you the registration fee, the speakers, etc. A trip to see wild horses is available. Programs will focus on racing, mustangs, slaughter. http://equinewelfarealliance.org/Int_l_Equine_Conference.html
    Please give this consideration. Happens only once yearly. I think it’s important to know who our colleagues in horse advocacy are nationwide and to find ways to work with them.
    If not you, please pass this to all friends who might not know about it and who would be interested in participating. Thank you for any help you can give to EWA for all the work it does for horses every day.

  23. / Reply

    Dear Lanes End.

    It makes my heart smile anytime I see a photo or get an update on 12Z and our precious Zenyatta. Thank you, Thank you!!!! For some reason this current picture of 12Z really makes me smile, he looks so happy, content and just full of himself. Love that!

    Dearest Zenyatta. I will love you forever, my angel. Hope and pray all is well with you!

  25. / Reply

    ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR REDNECKS (Part 1 of 6) : PERSONAL HYGIENE

    – Unlike clothes and shoes, a toothbrush should never be hand-me-down item. Also not one from under the sink, that’s been used to clean other things, like potatoes or tile grout.

    – While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this is a job that should be done in private using one’s OWN truck keys.

    – Proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live alone, deodorant is a waste of good money.

    • / Reply

      Vicki B. These are hilarious, in particular the deodorant one. Terry better get back here soon because you are giving him a run for his money as interim GP. My fantasy is that Terry is actually moving to Lane’s End. He said a few times that he wanted to be adopted by the Mosses.

      .

    • / Reply

      Vicki,

      GREAT JOB WITH THE JOKES!!! Keep it up and thank you for the great belly laughs!!! Please keep them coming. I especially like the redneck letter jokes from Maw.

      • / Reply

        Max, Judy, Darlene, and Marty – Thanks, glad you’re enjoying them. But hunting for redneck stuff to post (that we haven’t seen before), I know how hard that is, and just try to help out with it. Terry brings so much more to the table than that, and I hope he’s able to come back soon, whether he’s moved to Lane’s End, or somewhere less thrilling.

        Part 2 of the Etiquette Tips will be posted later today, Friday.

        • Vicki B. I could be wrong but I have the impression that Terry has a filing cabinet with all of his jokes at the ready. He seems really organized about it.

  27. / Reply

    Big Red Farm buys Empire Maker colt for $1.1-million
    Posted: Thursday, September 13, 2012 5:03 PM
    by Joe Nevills
    Japan’s Big Red Farm, the new home of dual classic winner I’ll Have Another, became the first bidder to break the seven-figure mark on Thursday’s session of the Keeneland September yearling sale, going to $1.1-million on an Empire Maker colt.
    The colt is out of the multiple Grade 2 winning A.P. Indy mare Lu Ravi, who has produced one winner from three foals to race, that being the Grade 3-placed stakes winner Ravi’s Song. The colt is from the family of champion Halfbridled and Grade 3 winner At the Half.
    “His muscle is very good,” said Shigeyuki Okada, owner of Big Red Farm, listing the things he liked about the colt. “Conformation, of course, and very smart, nice legs. Everything was good.”
    Okada said the colt would be sent to Japan for his racing career.
    Sire Empire Maker was sold to the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders’ Association in late 2010 and stood his first season in Japan in 2011. The colt continued a big day for the sire, who, earlier in the day, had another colt sell for $625,000.
    http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/sales-news/2012/09/13/empire-maker-colt-surpasses-seven-figures

  28. / Reply

    Market Stable Through Sept. Sale’s Day 4
    By Deirdre B. Biles, @BH_DBiles
    Updated: Thursday, September 13, 2012 10:24 PM
    The Keeneland September auction completed its first four days — books one and two of the sale’s catalog — with more seven-figure horses than in 2011’s entire auction. A $1.1-million Empire Maker colt, which was offered Sept. 13 in Lexington, increased the total to seven, up from six last year.
    The cumulative average price was up 5.2% from the amount at the same point in the auction in 2011 and the cumulative median price was the same.
    The Sept. 13 statistics included a gross of $35,750,000 for the 198 horses that were sold. The average was $180,556 and the median was $140,000. Compared to the corresponding session last year, the number sold declined 5.3% while the gross grew 5%. The average and median advanced 10.9% and 7.7%, respectively. It was the second day in a row that the gross, average, and median all experienced upswings.
    The buy-back rate of 25% was down from 25.9% in 2011.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/72803/market-stable-through-sept-sales-day-4#ixzz26PcMtYZw

Leave a Reply to Peggy (N) South Georgia Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.