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

    @Carol in Utah–I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I know how that hurts. Prayers for you to find the right home. Please check in when you can, even if briefly.

    @Keta–love the Gus update. He looks great. Just shows what a little love and care can do.

    @Vicki B.–love the jokes. Thanks for filling in. They have become a part of our days. We miss our TC, GP. Hope he’ s lurking somewhere.

    • / Reply

      Agree , Barbara. Others were speculating on the last page that he’s moved to Lane’s end, which would be nice, indeed, but we want him back from ANYWHERE, when he can.

  2. / Reply

    hi max thanks for the wonderful video of the big D now i knowwhy our queen is a big girl!!did you know ed dunlops dad john is retiring at the end of the season? his wife is’nt well and he is 73 now trained shirley heights to win the derby in78 hugs sheena

  3. / Reply

    dear carol so srry to hear your mum passed away she was a good age must have seen a lot in her lifetime but we never want to lose them whatever their age come back to us soon and good luck with the move hugs sheena

  4. / Reply

    dear judy saw your message on the last experts! am playing catch up today was’nt pati’s film of gus and his friend so beautiful i get so sad thinking of these wonderful creatures being abused it’s so great to think that our Z has such a wonderful home and kind owners! thanks for your friendship too!! love and hugs sheenaXXX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      It’s overwhelming and heartbreaking when you realize just how many horses need rescuing. But, we can never give up trying to save them. Gus’s story and other horses like him are what keep us going. Z is one of the very lucky ones. She and all of her babies will get the best care, thank God. It’s all the others; the Gus’s and the Papa Charlie’s that need our help.

      Thank you for being a part of Z’s Fan Family. She really has brought so many wonderful, caring people together here. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks as always Judy. The first couple of times I saw the link, I just couldn’t take the time to look. “Beautiful photos” doesn’t even begin.
      Hugs,
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy B.,
      Thanks bunches for this link! BL is fantastic! Love these photos at Saratoga.
      The descriptions under the pictures are great as well.
      Love it!!
      All the best!

  7. / Reply

    Ok, who’s going to the Zenyatta Statue Unveiling on the 29th??? I wish I could be there but, oh well. Please, take a ton of pics and video to share with us. Can’t wait to see it. I will be watching from calracing and I hope they show it live. That would be awesome!!!

    Best of Luck to Camelot this weekend. Sheena, I bet you are very excited about this possible History in the making! Wow, what a feat that would be!

    Best of luck Cappers… Maybe now that Paynter is on the mend, I’ll concentrate on capping myself and maybe, get back on track. Heck, I haven’t even looked at the entries yet. I guess, I better get busy.

    • / Reply

      Thanks!!! Who do you like??? I want to go with the brownie. LOL.. I’m never very good at the baby races since, I don’t watch them much.

      • / Reply

        I have to like AP Indy’s baby…Indiano Jones BUT I don’t know how I’ll bet yet…..got to look into it a little more tomorrow. I agree with you on the babies. You don’t know how they will do, they are unpredictable. Good luck to all cappers.

      • / Reply

        I am going with the one that Javier rides. He is an excellent turf rider, and a strong turf rider. That is what this young horse needs, an experienced pilot. Best something..

  9. / Reply

    Paynter Update Friday Sept. 14 8:00 AM A. Zayat tweets
    paynter update; our BIG BOY ,is having a good morning , so far everything is good, attitude , apeptite ,even Temp 100.7
    walking sound and comfortable.
    (Dr.) laura changedhis bandages ,all looking
    great maunure solid
    he is healing keep praying #warrior

  10. / Reply

    Thank yuu Tweets from A. Zayat Friday Sept. 14
    THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. On behalf of my family and myself I would like to thank you fan, racing lovers Your prayers and good vibes and good wishes have worked wonders to keep Dr. Laura and my family in keeping the positive energy and attitude to give Paynter every chance to fight his courageous battle. Courageous indeed he is.
    I thank you again for all your prayers, flowers, cards, all the books literatures you have sent to our office about colitis and laminitis.
    Its heart warming, it makes us all believers in kindness and the goodness of the human being. The human being is the best animal that god have created. .
    Your class and your support has been nothing short of powerful Power Up Paynter. You are the miracle of people love when all of us come together like that god will respond.
    Keep the faith and thanks for making a believer in us. #grateful #humbled #keepfightingpaynter

      • / Reply

        Another? Another what? A candle, of course!!
        How silly that I left out “candle”.
        Let’s continue to light these wonderful candles for sweet Paynter!

  11. / Reply

    Zenyatta joins Seabiscuit, John Henry as life-size statue in Santa Anita paddock area
    Posted on September 14, 2012 by Jennie Rees Courier-Journal
    A Santa Anita press release:
    ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2012)—The legendary Zenyatta, winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita and Horse of the Year in 2010, will be honored for all-time by Santa Anita Park as a life-sized statue of the great mare will be unveiled in Santa Anita’s Paddock Gardens area on the first Saturday of Santa Anita’s upcoming Autumn Meet, on Sept. 29.
    Additionally, the inaugural Grade I, $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes (formerly the Lady’s Secret), a race won by Zenyatta over three consecutive years from 2008 through 2010, will be run on Sept. 29.
    Zenyatta, who at the age of eight is currently enjoying her role as a broodmare at Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky, will be joining two of the greatest horses of all-time, John Henry and Seabiscuit, as her statuary likeness will now join these legends of the American Turf adjacent to the track’s grandstand.
    http://blogs.courier-journal.com/racing/2012/09/14/zenyatta-joins-seabiscuit-john-henry-as-life-sie-statues-in-santa-anita-paddock-area/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+courier-journal%2FddIR+%28Horse+Racing+Blog%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo

  12. / Reply

    Eblouissante (3-Year-Old Filly)
    Date: September 14, 2012
    Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 1.01:60 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: All Weather Track
    Rank: 34/126

  13. / Reply

    keta thanks for the great news that paynter is getting better more each day and that all our prayers have helped this wonderful horse also thanks for the news about Z’sstatue it will be a wonderful day in santa anita a tribute to one of the greatest horses of all time hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena,
      So glad to have you with us. Your posts are so interesting.
      When you have time, I would love to know about Rags to Richs foals.
      By now, she has had at least 3.
      Wondered about their names & if any are racing.
      Last I heard she was at Coolmore in Ireland.
      So, any news you have would be appreciated.
      Busy & exciting weekend! I’ll be watching here in the States.
      Keta

  14. / Reply

    Eblouissante’s work today.

    Date: September 14, 2012
    Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 1.01:60 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: All Weather Track
    Rank: 34/126 – See the day’s workouts

    • / Reply

      Watch her observe Mini Haha, the big horse being led around in the grass next to the paddock. The gaze is intense!

  18. / Reply

    @Carol in Utah – I’m so sorry about the loss of your mother. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
    @Vicki B – Great redneck jokes! I’m glad we have someone to fill while Terrry is away.

  19. / Reply

    ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR REDNECKS (Part 2 of 6): ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME
    – A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
    – Do not allow the dog to eat at the table no matter how good his manners are.
    – Be considerate of your guests. Point out in advance where the injury-threatening springs are located on the sofa.
    – Protect your guests, and your animals — warn guests of any pet’s eccentricities, before they could be uncomfortable, or need to flee.

    Part 3 will be posted tomorrow.

  20. / Reply

    Potesta Fractures Left Leg, Undergoes Surgery
    By Blood-Horse Staff
    Updated: Friday, September 14, 2012 7:06 PM
    Hollywood Oaks (gr. II) winner Potesta suffered a career-ending condylar fracture to her left front leg during a morning workout Sept. 14 and was to undergo surgery that afternoon in an attempt to save her life, according to a report from the Daily Racing Form.
    The 3-year-old daughter of Macho Uno breezed six furlongs at Betfair Hollywood Park for trainer Mike Mitchell under exercise rider Adalberto Lopez and was galloping out after the move when Lopez heard a crack, reported DRF. The rider jumped off the filly, who was preparing for the Sept. 29 Zenyatta Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park and walked her back to the barn.
    “It looked pretty bad,” Mitchell told DRF. “We want to save her, and her owners said to spare no expense.”
    Potesta was vanned to Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center to stabilize the injury, which was high above the ankle, according to reports
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/72819/potesta-fractures-left-leg-undergoes-surgery#ixzz26UOYQeqS

    • / Reply

      Sure hope that they can mend her!
      Best wishes for the surgery and for steady healing, Potesta!
      Positive thoughts and prayers, as well as good luck, too.

  21. / Reply

    I’m off again this weekend to spend some time with Vic. Her program at college has a Facebook page so if anyone is interested and would like to see her group you can check “Performance Horse Handler” and see photos of them at their studies. Vic is not hard to spot – look for the purple Zenyatta hat.
    I’m going to be cheering for Are You Kidding Me tomorrow and hoping to see him at Santa Anita. Safe trips to all.

    • / Reply

      Dear Brenda S.:

      Have a great visit with Vic. I chose Are You Kidding Me (Grandson of Street Cry) in my Fantasy Capping Exacta Box with Indiano Jones (AP Indy Baby). Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    In Facebook, Lane’s End posted some very nice pictures of Union Rags after he arrived at the farm. He looked to be calm and moving around well.

  24. / Reply

    Potesta Update Friday Sept. 14 7:30 PM Pacific
    McCall Rounsefell‏ tweet
    Just left Alamo Pintado with happy tears. Potesta is out of surgery and doing well. Eating, walking and looking out her window
    .
    Brad Free‏ tweet
    Glad to report 3yo filly Potesta, injured Friday at BHP, doing well post-op,
    screw inserted in break, walking and putting weight on leg

    • / Reply

      Oh yay! She was my favorite for the Zenyatta Stakes, but I’m glad she will be A-Ok!

  28. / Reply

    A video of the St. Leger won by US bred Encke. It seems appropriate that E has the great Nijinsky in this pedigree.
    Nijinsky’s record remains in tact as the last English Triple Crown, bred in Canada and US owned. Another group 1 win is denied to Aidan O’Brien as Bobby Frankel’s record is daily getting harder to match. And the horse Frankel now clearly unrivaled as horse of the year. Not a bad day!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37TedwNa4fg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

    • / Reply

      The BC was part of Camelot’s plans too; don’t know of that has changed because of this loss.

      • / Reply

        Pati. It may depend on how Camelot comes out of the race. The St. Leger is notorious for being very hard on horses. If he’s okay, he might go because Ballydoyle send a lot of their horses to the BC. They will want to avoid Frankel.

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