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

    dear max thanks for the film of nijinsky winning the st leger my dad adored him he was always telling me how he won the triple crown i watched a film the other evening of his sire northern dancer it was very touching that they brought him back to windfields for burial have’nt heard anything about kauto yet!hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. He died at Windfields in Maryland. They bought him back immediately upon his death to Windfields in Canada. I think that it was done over night. Northern Dancer is a hero in Canada. To think that as a yearling no one would buy him, and his trainer campaigned to have him gelded because Northern Dancer was “ornery”. He was however good around women and children, in particular the wife of his owner. That horse was smart.

      • / Reply

        Oh My Gosh, Max Thank you so much. You know I wasn’t expecting to hear something so soon. But Yeah, That time differeence. Wow, Can you hear me screaming from here. So Happy, Go Orfevre. What a Boy.
        He did look like he needed that race. He had just been vacationing around for a while and had to get back into it.
        I know he’s going to face some really fantastic runners in the Arc. But he’s got a good chance.
        Go Orfevre. Arc here we come. Hope he comes out of this race good.
        Thanks Again Max
        Now, Wise Dan’s just got to win.
        Happy Sunday

        • Peggy. He looked very good in that race because it is a prep for the Arc. It appeared to be no effort at all for him, while the others were working hard. He must have been inspired by Z to stay at the back of the pack until it is time to turn it on. He’s a very nice looking horse.

    • / Reply

      Dear Duke,

      The Mosses for the most part name their “babies” after they complete their
      two year old training year. So we have quite a long time to wait to hear
      his name.

      12 Z works for me and most of us, too !!!

        • Sign. I think that you are still on the right course. They always come up with great names and they always seem to observe traditions with their horses. The Mosses know how to do things properly for the horses. 12Z is in the process of revealing his character and his name to them. We’ll hear at the right time. In the mean time, you keep up your good work.

  4. / Reply

    (Dear Paynter: I just got back from Church service and Had to sit down and post this.
    I walked into our 11am service and several people walked up to me and told me that they prayed for You in the Pastors Sunday School Class. I had told him about you earlier at our Wednesday meal and asked him if I could lift you up in prayer)
    They wanted to know all about you and I told them.
    Then my pastor comes up to me and I told him about your progress, he was so happy. He had said he had meant to call me and check on him.
    Anyway Paynter when he got up before he did his sermon he tells of the sick and asked for prayer concerns etc. He Gave out the praise report on you and told about you to the congregation told about your illneses and ask me to give the report again. I was humbled.
    Paynter I think it was someone that said here there’s Power iN numbers, I believe Sign said that.
    You got a lot of prayers going your way Paynter.
    We know it has to be the Good Lords will for you to live, but I pray so hard that he will let you live. I know its up to him.
    Continue to heal Paynter Blessings sent your way. Just wanted you to know.
    Get well Potesta, too.

    Thank You Zenny For letting me talk. Love You, Peggy

  5. / Reply

    Very much enjoying the Live Streaming at the Keeneland Sales.

    The Auctioneers at Keeneland really know how to keep things interesting. I was amused when one bid went to $85,000 and the Auctioneer encouraged the under-bidder to go to $90,000 by saying “the last bid may be all the money he has”. The under-bidder goes to $90,000 and the other bidder comes right back at $95,000, which prompted the Auctioneer to say “I lied to you, that’s my job”.

  6. / Reply

    Executiveprivilege — this 2 year old filly is one to watch.

    This notice is to inform you that one or more of your horses has worked out.

    Executiveprivilege (2-Year-Old Filly)

    Your comments for this horse were: Winner Del Mar Debutante (baffert/pegram)

    Date: September 16, 2012
    Track: SANTA ANITA PARK
    Distance: Four Furlongs
    Time: 47:80 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 3/69 – See the day’s workouts

    • / Reply

      Oh yes, have seen her a lot on HRTV, beautiful and talented baby.

      Maybe she can go against Kaui Kate and Dreaming of Julia in BC !!!

  7. / Reply

    Max

    I put Orfevre’s race in my favorities. What a nice surprize today. Thank You.
    Now, ok I have to go eat lunch. But, first things first you know.

  9. / Reply

    So.Cal weather much more tolerable for Rednecks today!

    ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR REDNECKS (Part 4 of 6): WEDDINGS

    – Livestock usually is a poor choice for a wedding gift. A horse is an exception.

    – Is it okay to bring a date to a wedding? Not if you are the groom.

    – When dancing, never remove undergarments; no matter how hot it is.

    – A bridal veil made of window screen is not only cost-effective, but also a proven fly deterrent.

    – For the groom, at least rent a tux. A leisure suit with a cummerbund and a clean bowling shirt can create a nice appearance. Though uncomfortable, say yes to socks and shoes for this special occasion.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign:

      Love this boy. His Dam is by Street Cry. He ran really well in the Summer Stakes last Saturday at Woodbine. Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Dear Alys and Lanes Ends,

    Thanks sooo very much for that very sweet photo of 12 Z and his friends at the watering
    “hole”. That little bay guy with the blaze is sooo very adorable. It looks like he is saying

    “so you followed us here to, to take our pictures” ???

    This photo makes me smile and laugh all day. Learning to get a long.

    TOO CUTE !!!!

  13. / Reply

    Here is the blog from Big Red Farm, They are going to do weekly updates
    on IHA with photos.

    The japanese script gets me a little crazy, but there are captions underneath.
    Stallion next to him is by Sunday Silence, our National Treasure, that was rejected
    by us and sent to Japan and was very successful in developing a breed line for them.

    http://blog.goo.ne.jp/brfcvf/e/6b2207f7554305136966137fc72115a4

    • / Reply

      Thank you so much Sign, I’m really excited about this! I will never forget how much they loved Sunday Silence in Japan, as did I! He was truly perfect and gorgeous and I never understood how we let him go but he had a great life in Japan!

    • / Reply

      Sign – thanks for the updates on IHA who does seem pretty content at his new home in Japan. Noticed how deep green the grass is there….must taste delicious.

  16. / Reply

    GS.. Sorry to hear that you’re going through a rough time. Remember, we’re family here and you can share whatever you need in order to get the comfort that you need. You will be in my thoughts. Remember, this too shall pass and there’s always a reason for everything. Keep your head held high and move forward. Until then, we’ll be waiting right here for you.
    It sure seems that this year has had so many ups and downs for us Dumplings but, it’s the Unity that keeps us together all because of the love of Our Queen, Zenyatta!

    Sidenote: I sure miss Dottie and the Diary!! When will we hear anything else on Zenny anyways? I love to hear about the Prince but, I want to hear about her too!!!

  17. / Reply

    dear max some good arc trials today especially shareta and ofevre i wonder if camelot will run as intended also glad to hear that MC will be going to the BC girl power!!ihear they are having a”rachel day” at stonestreet on oct 12th i wish we could see some pics of zenyatta we’ve hardly seen her since the weaning some great jokes from vicki b hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Not certain but I heard that Aidan O’Brien has probably ruled out the Arc as too soon. Camelot is unlikely to go to the Breeders’ Cup because St. Nicholas Abbey is headed there. That leaves Champions Day and Frankel. They may not want to face Frankel. No one wants to face Frankel. We’ll have to see how this develops.

  18. / Reply

    dear judy hope all is well with papa charlie and he will enjoy his canadian mints!! it was a pity we did’nt get a triple crown winner on saturday but thats racing have you ever heard of a mare called sceptre she won 4 of our 5 classics in 1902 she was 4th in the derby although in modern times the derby is thought to be a colts classic there is nothing to stop fillies taking part love and hugs sheenaXXX

    • / Reply

      Sheena. This was a very interesting horse. I looked up her story. She was super. I liked that there was such an outcry when they tried to sell her to foreign owners that they backed down.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Working on details for Papa Charlie. Should be set by the weekend. Thank you for your concern and kind thoughts. No, I’m not familiar with Sceptre, but I will see what I can find about her. I agree, the girls have proven they can compete with the boys. Run like a Girl. Ha, ha. Love and Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    One of the last yearlings to go through the sales ring today was a Tapit filly out of My Red Porsche. My Red Porsche is a half sister to My White Corvette who is the dam of Champion Stardom Bound (f. by Tapit). The Auctioneer had this to say: “If a White Corvette can produce a champion, imagine what a Red Porsche can do”. LOL, very clever. She sold for $240,000. I’ll have to follow this one’s career.

    • / Reply

      Fabulous as always. Loved the sleeping horse. Nothing is better for the nerves than to see a horse stretched out and relaxing. Reminds me of Z’s buddy, Life Is Sweet. She knew how to snooze.

    • / Reply

      Eveline,

      Thank you for sharing these exquisite photos of BL. No wonder I cant get any work done, I start looking and next thing I know a half hour is gone.

      I love Reva, Looks like he is trying to imitate our Queen Zenny with her dance moves.

    • / Reply

      Dear Eveline:

      Thank you so much for this Part 2 of Saratoga by BL. Love her photos and commentary. Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    Black Caviar named Champion Racehorse
    Filled in: Australian Horse Racing | 16/9/2012 at 9:27pm
    The horse that has never been beaten has won again.
    In an event which had only one genuine contender, Black Caviar has been crowned Australia’s Champion Racehorse for the second successive season.
    The official imprimatur caps a season – and perhaps a career – in which Australia’s greatest horse went to the world, defying the ordeals of travel and injury to stretch her winning record to 22-from-22.
    Black Caviar also earned official acclaim as the highest-ranked sprinter in the world, the highest-ranked mare and second only to the greatest horse on earth, the unbeaten English galloper Frankel.
    http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/black-caviar-named-champion-racehorse/162275

  26. / Reply

    Blood-Horse Staff
    Updated: Sunday, September 16, 2012 3:33 PM
    Champion jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson collected her 1,000th lifetime score aboard D’wildcat Gold in the first race at Woodbine Sept. 16 (VIDEO) .
    “It’s something I’ve been chasing,” said Wilson, who became the first female rider to win the Canadian classic Queen’s Plate in 2007 aboard Mike Fox. “For a couple weeks I had a bit of a lull, but it’s good to get the milestone and now I’m counting to 1001. Let’s go!”
    Wilson guided 2-year-old filly D’wildcat Gold ($8.30) to a 2 1/4-length victory in a $32,000 maiden claiming race at 5 1/2 furlongs for trainer and owner Tom O’Keefe.
    In 2005, the 31-year-old rider won the Sovereign Award in Canada and the Eclipse Award as North America’s top apprentice jockey. Also Canada’s Sovereign winner as the leading apprentice rider in 2006, Wilson said she was thrilled to reach the milestone.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/72860/emma-jayne-wilson-collects-1000th-victory#ixzz26glpC82b

  28. / Reply

    Good morning, all.

    @Eveline– thank you for posting thse stunning pictures. I could look at them all day. I’m wondering when BL ever gets to sleep. She has the best job in the world, and the talent to match.

  29. / Reply

    Hi all,
    Whoopee! Have to say I won in the Fantasy Handicapping and my “buy HDG so she doesn’t go to Japan” fund is now up to $59.00! Ha, ha. How about anyone else out there, have you increased our pot at all?

    Congrats to all winners this weekend especially to our Wise Dan and Orfevre, wonderful wins!!!

    I’m happy to hear IHA is doing well but am still sick that they let this talented guy go, makes me sick.

    Saratoga Girl, missed reading about exactly what is happening in your life, but I send virtual hugs for your well being.

    Judy B. hope all worked out with Papa Charlie can’t wait to hear the good news!

    TC we love and miss you, hope all is going well with your move and you check in once in a while.

    Hugs to all, and kisses to my girl Z and EARnie, Auntie Sue

  30. / Reply

    dear keta have been searching for news about rags to riches doubt i know more than you she had a colt by galileo in2011 and was sent back to him but no details have been released sorry i could’nt do more great news about black caviar and so you think has covered 7 mares and they ‘re all in foal !!hope paynter is still on the mend love sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Sheena,
      Thanks. The foals of Rags to Riches have become one of the best kept secrets in the industry. Wonder why? Especially with a sire like Galileo.
      If fact, there is almost no news including photos or videos about her.
      Wasn’t that great news about BC!!
      Hugs, Keta

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