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

  2. / Reply

    2011 champion Hansen retired; stud deal sought
    by Ray Paulick | 09.16.2012 | 11:45pm
    It was the greatest present Dr. Kendall Hansen ever received, but even Christmas doesn’t last forever. The breeder and co-owner of Hansen, the 2011 Eclipse Award winner as outstanding 2-year-old male, said his multiple graded stakes-winning namesake has officially been retired.
    A tendon injury was detected in Hansen’s left foreleg just three days before he was to run in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes on Aug. 25, and his owner said then it was unlikely the son of Tapit would ever race again. A physician who operates a pain management clinic in Crestview Hills, Ky., Dr. Hansen held out hope that stem cell treatment and rest would heal the tear in the tendon. After further consulting with Dr. Alan Ruggles of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, however, he’s made the decision to retire Hansen and entertain offers from stallion operations for the 2013 breeding season.
    “I was kind of shocked to see how much damage the tendon had on the inside,” Hansen said. “It’s a top-to-bottom tear and there’s enough damage there that I just want to get him to the best farm I can and let the professionals do the best they can with him in his next career.”
    Hansen said the decision was not easy.
    http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/2011-champion-hansen-retired-stud-deal-sought/

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    Dear all:
    Could I please ask for prayers for our daughter’s horse, Money? We got a call this morning that he is hurt (leg), and could not get up. The vet came out and was able to move it, did several treatments, took blood because she thought it might be an infection. It is hugely swollen and hot. The bloodwork came back normal. Now we are even more worried. He was able to get up and eat a little, but now he is down again. I had to come back home and will go back out later. In 48 hours they will take x-rays if we can get him in a trailer to get him there. We would be devastated to lose him.
    We are worried sick, she is missing work in a one-person office, and we could really use your prayers and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love you all.

    • / Reply

      Randy,
      That thought crossed my mind, too.
      Sure hope they get a handle on the problem and that he starts feeling better soon.
      Take care!

  6. / Reply

    Team Z and Lane’s End, (this is a repeat post from ask the experts #10)

    How is our Zennie doing? Has she been happy and running with tail flying high with the girls in their paddock ? Is her weight good for being in foal for this lenght of time (almost 6 mos?) ? How about new photos &/or videos?
    I and others are having withdrawal……..thanks always

    (Please……..just in case you missed it!)

  8. / Reply

    Barbara, I hope things work out for your beloved “Money”. It’s awful, when you don’t know what’s wrong — then it’s hard to treat!

  11. / Reply

    Thank you all for praying! He is up quite a bit, eating and drinking. If necessary, we will get the mobile vet out to x-ray, but it really does appear that at this point the vet is correct. Her diagnosis (at this point) is cellulitis). I googled it, and he has those exact symptoms: extreme swelling, came on suddenly, back leg, oozing from pores. The article I read said it can result in an area where there has been a previous injury, such as from barbed wire (which is EXACTLY what happened to that very leg at a former facility 6 years ago) . He’s not out of the woods, yet, but I am encouraged. Please keep praying. We’re nowhere near ready to lose him. (A picture of him is my ID photo on FB)
    Love and hugs to you all. Still praying for Paynter. You all are the BEST!

  12. / Reply

    Got an email yesterday from Nina Kaiser about Zenyatta’s statue unveiling on Sept. 29. Exciting, but that weekend is also when the 405 Freeway will be closed that entire day (and the next) between the Westside and the Valley. So I’m hoping the detours and diversions won’t make it difficult to get to Santa Anita. Nina also said we don’t know yet what time the unveiling will be, and have 3 different answers so far. Hopefully something definite will be decided, and posted.

  13. / Reply

    Just dropping in to give a shout out to Zenny and 12Z. We had a delightful visit to Old Friends last week and the Kentucky Horse Park. Zenny’s name was mentioned with respect and affection many times and 12Z has several eyes in Ky. carefully watching him.
    LE, a huge thank you for contributing to our constant conversations about our horse of a lifetime.

  14. / Reply

    Back home in Fort Erie again after a quick visit to see Vic. She has really enjoyed her first full week of college studies and is anxiously waiting to learn if she will be one of the successful applicants who will get to exercise the horses. She wants to continue riding but paying for riding lessons in addition to all the college expenses will stretch the budget too far so exercising the college horses will keep her in the saddle. It is so rewarding to see Vic happily getting up before the birds so that she can get to the barn to muck out stalls before classes begin.
    I’m hoping that Papa Charlie did well today and came home safely.

    • / Reply

      I hope she gets it!

      I am fortunate enough that my college is wiling to sponsor my swimming and riding addictions! :-) I am very grateful for the school’s generosity; as they don’t have to pay for the students; I talked to a few in Cazenovia and 65% of the team is getting some form of aid. I might just luck out and get to do both sports; but if forced to choose, I would go with my horses.

  16. / Reply

    Just got back from the farm again. I cannot possibly thank you all enough.
    When she hoses the leg down, he seems to like it and tries to put more weight on it. Will go back out at 7:15 in the morning. He’s being a good patient, eating, etc. Will go visit the candle site. A huge THANK YOU, Sandy!

    • / Reply

      Oh My Gosh Max, possibly Dan on October 6, and Orfevre on October 7th. What a weekend that will be.
      Thanks for posting.

    • / Reply

      So glad we have some US competition for the Euros.
      Maybe he could win in Dubai, probably not the
      Dubai World Cup, too lOng, but be competative.

      US has petered out outside of US and that is not
      Good. We are not internationally competative.

      Really hope Wise Dan can beat the Euros in the
      Turf Mile. He may have to run against Snow Fairy.
      That would be awesome.

      • / Reply

        Sign. Do not rule out Ioya Bigtime either. He’s also on a roll since he was moved up in distance. You said it correctly. Ioya is a tough guy. Point of Entry is no slouch himself. These Dynaformers are brutal!

    • / Reply

      Max,
      A. Zayat had a brief tweet on Sat. saying Paynter still doing well.
      He said he would do an update in morning–haven’t seen one yet.
      Only concern was a slight fever.
      Today is Rosh Hashanah & he could be celebrating since he and Justin have not been on Twitter at all..
      For all my Jewish friends, Shana Tova
      Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Keta. Thanks. Look forward to some news after the holiday. The last I heard was that Paynter might get his casts off this week. I hope that he can go home soon. PUP.

        • Paynter Update Monday Sept. 17 at 4 PM
          Laura Javsicas‏ VMD tweet to A.Zayat
          Paynter enjoyed his day grazing outside.
          He continues to have mild fevers and signs of GI inflammation, which are being treated.

  19. / Reply

    (This Redneck stuff is gettin’ a little more “out there” to me, but here goes.)

    ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR REDNECKS (Part 5 of 6): DRIVING

    – Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles, even if your gun is loaded and the deer is in sight.

    – When approaching a four-way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires always has the right of way.

    – Never tow another car using pantyhose and duct tape.

    – When sending your wife down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask her to bring back beer.

    – Do not remove the seats from the car so that all your kids can fit in.

    – Do not lay rubber while traveling in a funeral procession.

    • / Reply

      Vicki B. Terrific advice for the road. I think however the duct tape actually could be used to tow another car. That stuff works on anything.

      • / Reply

        I agree, Max, duct tape is a wonder! However, I have become more careful about using it only for “permanent repairs”, after being unable to extricate small parts, or entirely remove the adhesive from “temporary repairs”. It is tenacious.

      • / Reply

        Not when you’re back now, GP!! Or are you going away, again? I have to go see what you’ve written on the next page…

  20. / Reply

    Has anyone heard anything on Jackson Bend. Hope he is Ok too. So worried about him. Anytime anyone falls I worry. That head so precious. I think he did get knocked out.

    • / Reply

      I think he has been put out to pasture for a few
      Months to clear his head of the trauma.

      It may be two or three months before he comes
      Back to training.

  22. / Reply

    Dear Sue, I gotta think up a way we can earn some big time money. You know Havre De Grace is not going to come cheap.

    • / Reply

      Peggy N,
      Gee, no one came forward claiming an “in” with Michael Phelps” or the Sheik? I guess we’ll have to get going on our garage sales and a “chilli dump”, Anyone else got any ideas? Hugs

  24. / Reply

    Apprentice jockey Eswan Flores suspended 60 days for cocaine use
    POMONA — Apprentice jockey Eswan Flores was suspended for 60 days by the California Horse Racing Board for testing positive for cocaine at Del Mar on Aug. 23.
    His suspension will run from Aug. 25 to Oct. 23, 2012.
    Flores’ attorney, Roger Licht, said his client did not use cocaine and that a second test proved it. But the CHRB said Flores tested positive for cocaine metabolites on Aug. 23. In order to be reinstated, Flores must sign a testing agreement with the CHRB and arrange a consultation with the Winners’ Foundation and abide by their recommendations. Flores is not eligible for an extension of his apprentice license based on the suspension. And Flores is no permitted on all premises within the CHRB’s jurisdiction, meaning he can’t work horses in the morning at any track.
    Roger Licht, the Beverly Hills-based attorney for apprentice jockey Eswan Flores, said prior to the hearing that he believed his client had not used cocaine. Flores denied it as did his mentor, Doug Christensen.
    http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/16/apprentice-jockey-eswan-flores-suspended-60-days-c/

    • / Reply

      I don’t like this — the drug testing seems problematic, tainted, or someone’s not truthful. No crystal ball here.

    • / Reply

      Thank you for the info, I knew something like that was the reason for his suspension.
      Do you know what happen to Calvin Borel? I do not think he is working. Ingrid.

    • / Reply

      California has a bad track record when it comes to things like this. CVompare this suspension with what happened in the case of Doug O’Neill. Seems a bit excessive. I hope Flores comes back strong.

      • / Reply

        Me 2 TC GP!!!!
        Every kid, and he is so young deserves a second chance…hey, now many get 3.
        Too much fame,too early.
        Now…go get em kid!!! and …behave!

  26. / Reply

    To All: From El Vino’s (Zenyatta’s workmate) Facebook page today, “A Paynter Update from Dr. Laura Javsicas”

    “Paynter enjoyed his day grazing outside. He continues to have mild fevers and signs of GI inflammation, which are being treated.”

    It sounds like the news continues to be encouraging, but we can’t let up on the prayer vigil. PUP Marty R.

  27. / Reply

    Good morning, all. Still praying for Paynter.
    With hearts in our throats, we went to check on Money this morning. He was standing in his stall looking out the door to his run. The swelling, though still huge, is not nearly as grotesque as yesterday (it looked dislocated–like an “S” from the rear. He is putting more weight on it and walking gingerly, but much easier than yesterday., She washed it for the 10 minutes, which he really likes and then dried it and put on the DMSO. His Banamine had worn off, so we were glad he was doing as well as he was without it. He got another dose, and will get more this evening plus his antibiotic. It does appear to be cellulitis from a leg that had an injury years before. She walked him to both ends of the barn and hand grazed him for a bit. He is feeling enough better that his TB side is beginning to show., but he’s being a good patient. Will check him this afternoon and report later. Thank you ALL so much for the prayers, candles, etc. Love to all.

    • / Reply

      This is great! Thanks Keta. Nice to see Mario as well as our horse. Does anybody know how Mario is doing? I know he had surgery a while back.
      Sandy

      • / Reply

        OOOHHHH NNNNNOOOO! Another gorgeous filly going on the market, this time FT. Beautiful Plum Pretty ( Medallia D’oro/A.P Indy Mare, we just can’t let this one go to Japan either. We’ll have to add her to our purchase pot with HDG. Come on people ……..pony up!!

    • / Reply

      Keta, thanks for the link to this video…it’s always “heaven” when you’re around the Queen. Isn’t she magnificient and so calm with all the attention around her. One of a kind…that’s who she is!

    • / Reply

      Wasn’t this fun to watch?
      Could not believe how calm Zenyatta was with all the tape measurements & walking around going on in her stall!
      That’s our girl!!

  29. / Reply

    Yikes!! I was in the middle of a post,turned around to help a customer and it disappeared!!Will try it again–if they both come through,that’s why!!

    @ Barbara Wood-I was SO sorry to hear about Money!! I didn’t know how old injuries could come back like that–very frightening!! Certainly hope he continues to improve!!

    Traveller,my friend Sue’s horse,who is Barnaby’s “girlfriend” and pasture-mate,has been going through something that the vet is trying to figure out. She is going tro be on Bute for a few days to see if that helps her. He feels that her erratic behavior (dumping her saddle,running away to avoid being tacked up,etc.)is coming from more than just cussedness and marishness. She seems worse when she has been ridden several times in a week,so Sue is giving her a rest and riding Barnaby when she goes down to feed in the morings while I’m at work.She said they had a great ride this morning and went out in the pasture and did the trails the two of them have made out there. She said he was quite excited by all of that. I just marvel at how he is learning to make his wants very plainly known!! I think I told you that he had started greeting me in a rather prefunctory manner when I want to go visit him at the fence before feeding him,then turning his back to be with his rump to the fence,as if to say “enough of that mush,now go get my food!” Now,when I arrive,he will come to the fence and then walk off to a place nearby where I cannot reach him,saying,albeit silently,GO GET MY FOOD!!!! Boy,does he have me well trained!!

    Keep fighting Paynter! You are one for the history books!!

    • / Reply

      Sue. What a clever boy. Maybe he is telling you that you need to arrive with his treats? Sorry to hear that all does not go well for Traveller. Hoping for good news soon about her.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue:

      Hoping the vet can figure out what’s troubling Traveller and help her. Your Barnaby really is quite a character. Love your stories. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Prayers for Traveller, and glad to hear Barnaby is enjoying filling in for her so she can get some rest. Hoof ray, Barnaby!

  30. / Reply

    Ooops–my clumsy fingers again! Tro for to,morings for mornings,etc.—-sorry!!

    Have a lovely afternoon everyone!! Hope Queen Z and 12Z are both having fun toda,with their friends!! Love to them,and to all of you!!

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