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

    I read something today that I want to share with all of you although it is especially intended for Terry Crow (and Trina and Diana who kept him from being “lost”). It is also for others whom we’ve met here who have shared their struggles from time to time and for those dear friends who, because of our remarkable horse, have come our way and provided the support that made all the difference.

    It is from a novel by Alexander McCall Smith, and the speaker is a woman who is somewhere in southeast Asia on an anthropological mission. She is gazing about at her surroundings and wonders what she would do without her guide:
    “At moments such as this, she mused, dependence on one’s guide reminded one of the mutual reliance of human existence. In large numbers, in towns and cities, we forget that without the help of others we are fragile, threatened creatures. But the moment that support is removed, then the reality of our conditions becomes apparent. We are all one step from being lost.”

    • / Reply

      Sandy this is so true. We really are one step from being lost without others around us. I’m a firm believer in paying it forward. It was just about 10 years ago when I was borrowing money for gas, getting food from friends, and begging my mechanic to let me make payments on even the smallest of repairs all while trying to finish my degree. Forget about paying rent on time. And now, I have the happy opportunity to help horses and cats and other critters – even some with two legs instead of four. It just feels so good to do it – it’s like a drug.

      Thank you Zenyatta, for spreading a table of opportunity in front of so many of us!

      diastu in tempe

    • / Reply

      I haven’t posted in a while and was keeping up with Zenyatta.com thru my emails and Zenny’s Tribe.

      Terry C—I just found out that Trina has kidnapped you :) and is holding you hostage. If you weren’t such a good joke teller and entertainer, Trina wouldn’t have kept you for so long. So glad you have Trina and Diana. There are such great people on Zenyatta.com and I’m glad I found them before my Dad passed away. This was the healing place for me afterward and I know after your wonderful friend, Don, went to help with God’s herd, it was for you too. Praying for you and good things to come your way.

      • / Reply

        Sure, let me go find it! iPhone is persnickety to work, so I will post a few links in case one doesn’t work.

    • / Reply

      Deana Dameron posted a copy of her email to Darley on her FB, and their response as well. The fan made page for Pepper’s Pride then Shared those pictures.

      I am also keeping an eye on Darley and cool more tweets.

  4. / Reply

    PUP!! I pray that this new round of treatment will finally knock out the infection for good and that you will be on the way to full recovery! Your owners have been so loyal and wonderful to you–may their prayers,and all of ours be answered.

    Continued prayers for Traveller are needed. She kept trying to avoid the Bute–we got some of it into her,but she is smart–and stubborn! The last two doses we each mixed in extra Sr. Pellets,sliced carrots and melted the Bute and 3 sugar cubes and then made a grain mash out of the whole thing,so she couldn’t avoid the powder. She didn’t eat it all,but got most of it down. So far,it has not seemed to affect her. Sue said she tried to get a saddle,or even a blanket,on her this am and it was no go. She rode Barnaby for a little while and then went home to call the vet and let him know how she was. He said it could take 10 days for the Bute to help her. He also said that her problem could also be caused by an ovarian tumor. She will probably need several tests,including an ultrasound,in order to find the problem. It will be a day by day thing for awhile to figure it all out abnd to see what,if anything can be done. Sue is so worried and just not sure how she will be able to proceed. Will keep you all posted on anything I hear. Thanks for your prayers and support—Sue is very touched by your concern and thanks you VERY much!!!

  5. / Reply

    Before I lose my access to a computer, here are some more redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you have a glass eye collection. You might be a redneck if you bring a video camera to a funeral. You might be a senior redneck if the games at your birthday party include bobbing for dentures and musical walkers. You might be a redneck if you own a trophy with the words “cow chip toss” on it. You might be a redneck if you use duct tape as eyeliner. And, a golden oldie-You might be a redneck if you have ever used a toilet seat as a picture frame.

  6. / Reply

    Dear Terry C, GP I wondered where you were when I was able to check in

    Dear TC, GP, Before you disappear, I’m so happy you are back but sad to learn that all has not been well. Thank heaven for Trina and Diana, guardian angels that they are. I myself have been absent in recent weeks, fortunately for happier reasons, and had missed you when I infrequently logged on. Please look after yourself, I’m looking forward to seeing you in November.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Brenda. One of the things I have enjoyed since my “rescue” is the picture of you and Sandy at Fort Erie race track. It is great to place the faces with the words.

  9. / Reply

    dear judy saw the photo of papa charlie he’s a real beauty if a little thin i will pray everything turns out well for him it must do he has you on his side!!great to see dottie with our Z on twitter she’s getting a lovely round belly wonder if it’ll turn out to be greylove and hugs sheenaX

  11. / Reply

    dear keta great to see Z on twitter today i noticed there was a lot of Z videos i thought i had seen them all but there were some new ones i do hope paynter will get better he’s been through so much he’s such a fighter may God bless him and all your familyhugs sheenaX

  12. / Reply

    I don’t know how many people have seen this video, but it is very good, and very much worth watching. I also don’t know about anyone else, but the night she lost, I was a wreck. I cried the entire night, and into my swim meet the next day. I cried while I swam my races and filled my goggles, disabling my ability to see, but after a while, I realised that my crying was pointless, because she lost nothing. She was still perfect, and she was still the Queen. She was still a Hall of Famer. And she will always be my first love. Thank you Zenyatta, this is to you.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llf8gdfCRIE&feature=related

    • / Reply

      Pati. Beautiful find. I did not cry after the BCC in 2010. That race was a defining moment of greatness by a magnificent race horse. I was and am so happy that I had the chance to see Zenyatta run into immortality in a once in a lifetime display of racing perfection. Blame seemed only incidential to what she did in that race. The thrill of that feeling is still with me.

      • / Reply

        As a 17 year old girl, it was my role and duty to be a wreck (thanks to that hormonal imbalance and all that jazz girls my age go through) at that time. :-) But I imagine everyone else was tough as rocks. :-P

        • Pati. I was not criticising your tears as they were sincerely given. Z would appreciate your heart felt support in any form that it took. Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize when an apparent defeat is actually a great victory. I think that John Shirreffs said that after the race Z thought that she had won the race. I think the same.

        • Pati, I’m waaaaaaaaaaaay older than you and I cried at first! By the next morning I realized how spectacular she really was! Immediately after, I was worried about how she felt, if she knew, silly stuff like that and I was afraid people would make fun of her! Then I realized how that loss elevated her and even the haters realized what a spectacular horse she was!! She is insanely great and I’m so proud to have watched her career!

        • I felt the same way Louise. I was telling the folks at the physical therapy place about her loss and how I thought maybe I should send her a card or something. They laughed, but I came home and found this site on the internet, and the rest (as they say) is history!
          Sandy

      • / Reply

        Dear Pati, Sheena, Max, TC, Tony and Sue, Louise, Sue Fredrick and Z Fans:

        2010 BCC was one of Z’s most fantastic come from behind races. She really gave her all and I read too that John said he thought, she thought she won. In my heart I thought she ran brilliantly to make up the lengths she was behind and finish like she did. Still gives me chills when I watch the race and find myself tearing up. No horse ever passed her in any of her races. Even in this one, she went by every other horse and almost passed Blame. Hugs, JB

        • Judy B,
          Isn’t it wonderful how horses can give us the chills?!
          I was sitting on the Eastern Shore of MD last weekend and still got chills thinking of the Great Northern Dancer, living close to where we were.
          Most were watching the beautiful ceremony, I had horse stories running in my head…..call me crazy.

          Yes, the gorgeous Zenny, the total package

        • Ann. What Northern Dancer passed on to his descendants was fire. You can see it in Paynter as well as Frankel. These are very tough customers. It is no coincidence that the last English Triple Crown winner is his son. Nijinsky also got his feisty character from his mother, Flaming Page. She was like her name, no shrinking violet.

          Glad to see that you are back. Who knows what Crescent Moon Guy may be doing? Have to keep an eye on that one.

        • Ann-Northern Dancer was involvedd in the sorse choice that Shoemaker ever made. He had the Kentucky Derby mount on him, but opted to ride Hill Rise instead. He even bumped Don Pierce off that horse. It ws kind of shameful.

    • / Reply

      Pati-Thanks for posting this. I have said this before, but when old horseplayers gather and talk about the best hores they have ever seen Zenyatta will be part of the conversation. I know, because I will be the one talking about her.

      • / Reply

        Well, according to one those younger than me, 17 is old, so I will be joing you at the old horseplayers table. :-)

        Hope you are having a good day, and I hope your situation gets better, but I imagine the Z dumplings came to the rescue.

    • / Reply

      Patti,
      Thanks for this video. Seeing it again brings tears to my eyes and gives me goosebumps. One part of me longs for those days again, knowing we will never have another horse like this in our lifetimes. The other part is so happy to see her being a natural horse, raising babies, living the good life. She is my first love and always will be. Bittersweet! Hugs

    • / Reply

      Patti, thank you for posting the link to this video. We had the HONOR to see the Queen race at Churchill. We will never forget that race and the way Zenny flew by those younger males. In our eyes, she truly won and we believe we are not alone with this thinking. There were several young men seated behind us who all bet against her.
      It was amazing to hear them shout her name at the top of their lungs as she tore down the homestretch. At the end of the race, to a man, they said she was the best horse on the track, bar none.
      It sounds crazy but that was one of her greatest races…no other horse could have done what she did. We love her for eternity and she will always be our horse of a lifetime. LE, please post some new Zenny pics soon!

        • I don’t think that I’ll ever, ever forget BCC10. When the race started, I thought Mike was going to pull her up. She looked so uncomfortable and got sooooo far behind. On the backstretch, she started to put it together and dig down to find that will to win. When she made her move to the outside, after QR stopped in front of her, I was so hoarse from yelling at the tv and when the wire came up, photo finish!!! Damn, why couldn’t she stick her tongue out? LOL
          I also remember, the crowd cheering her name when she came back and poor Blame, well, the crowd was pretty quite for him when he came back. It was all about Zenyatta being so gallant in her defeat that she did, shut up most of the naysayers and made grown men weep.
          I too cried. I cried because, my heart broke, Not for me but, for Zenyatta and Mike. I also cried because, I was so enthrawled with what Zenny just did. So, very proud to be one of her many, many fans and greatful that I was able to watch this wonderful Filly/Mare from the beginning.
          Then, when I saw Mike when they came back, he was a mess and then, the press conference: well, that made me cry even more because, of how Mike was taking the defeat.
          Zenyatta is MY horse of a Life time and I love every lil thing about her!
          Now, I have to go watch the BCC again. LOL

        • I always have felt that it was because the race was held under the lights that contributed to her bad start, worse than usual. I don’t know, but it might have helped if she could have been exposed to those conditions.

  14. / Reply

    @ Louise Castello-Yes,Traveller WAS named for Robert E. Lee’s horse!! She looks SO much like him,with her long black mane and tail.She had some really banal name when Sue got her last year and she had seen so many pictures of the original Traveller,she said she just HAD to give her that name! I cannot begin to tell you how much Sue appreciates all of the messages and prayers that are being sent Traveller’s way—I have been calling her through the day reading them to her and telling her about the folks that are writing in.It really means the world to her–she is a great believer inthe power of prayer.

    @ Max-I bought a couple of extra carrots last night before I left work (remember,I work in a grocery store) so I would have treats when I got out of the car. Barnaby was VERY happy to accept one of those before I went in to fix up their grain. Guess I’ll do that from now on–thanks for the good suggestion. Thanks,too,for the wishes for Traveller. I am going to tell her tonight when I go down to feed them all about how many are caring about her and praying for her. The good thing is,she does not appear to be in pain when just “hanging out”–she has had a wonderful summer tearing around the pasture. When they came back there at the first of June and she got out of the trailer and saw where she was,she became very excited and it was apparent that she felt she was HOME. No matter what happens ahead,she has had a very happy year and afew months as Sue’s horse–she knows we love her and she has had lots of fun with Barnaby—even though he DOES boss her around. (Of course,he bosses everybody around!!)

    @ Terry C.- I’m so happy you are spending time with Barnaby’s Auntie Trina!! That’s got to be good medicine for any problems you might have!! And to have Diana in your corner as well–fabulous!!! Know that we ALL love you and are wishing you nothing but the VERY best!!I’m really looking forward to being able to meet you at the BC!!! You will probably be MOBBED!!!

    @ Sheena–I HAD to call Sue right away and leave a message on her voice mail when I read your message. To think that someone so far away is concerned about Traveller–she will probably cry! Glad you enjoy hearing about my miracle boy–he really IS a character!!

    To all who have expressed concern for Traveller–it means so much and I will keep everyone posted about her progress. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart—and from Sue’s as well!!

    Looking forward to the promised news of John and Dottie’s visit to the Queen!! Hugs to all and wishes for a good night,and good news in the morning about Paynter!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      Thanks for this wonderful letter! Your posts about Barnaby are so entertaining and fun to read. I can just picture you and your beautiful boy out enjoying life — makes me smile broadly!!
      All the best to you, sweet B, your friend Sue, and of course, the lovely Traveller. I will light another candle for Traveller’s good health.
      Take care and lots of hugs!

      • / Reply

        Hi neighbor.
        Prayers for Traveler. Come on sweet one,get well.

        Marshall,we are lucky w/ this weather this week!!! Enjoy my friend.

        • Ann,
          You are so right about this weather. It is as close to perfect as it gets!
          I am really glad to see an end (it may be temporary) to the humidity and heat.
          If the nasty weather returns, at least it will be short-lived. October is such a beautiful month with that wonderful “October-blue” sky! I LOVE October!
          We missed you and are glad to have you back!
          Cheers!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue:

      Best wishes to Traveller. Hope she improves. Thanks for sharing your stories about Barnaby. Love to read them. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Sue. Glad to hear that Barnaby has responded favorably to the treats. What a lucky horse that he is to have someone who works a grocery store who loves him. It’s marvelous. Good for him. Barnaby, your luck has changed for the better with your new owner.
      I’m worried about Traveller, and praying for some good news about her.

      Paynter, Money, Traveller, take those meds and get well!

    • / Reply

      I pray they don’t return him to racing – let him get through the “battle for his life” then enjoy the breeding shed!

      • / Reply

        JAG I agree so completely. I pray they don’t return him to racing too. Let him just enjoy his life and hopefully we can see some little one’s.
        Wouldn’t it be so nice to get to go one day to see Paynter at one of the farms. Just enjoying himself. PUP

    • / Reply

      Thanks for this link, JAG!
      Mr. Zayat is such a great owner and a very kind gentleman.
      Encouraging news about Paynter. Healing thoughts and prayers
      for Paynter and his connections.
      Will light another candle!
      Take care!

  16. / Reply

    I think I missed a day in-between here, but y’all enjoy the final installment:

    ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR REDNECKS (Part 6 of 6): FOR ALL OCCASIONS

    – Never take a beer to a job interview, or ask if they press charges.

    – Always say “Excuse me” after getting sick in someone else’s car.

    – It’s considered tacky to take a cooler to church. Instead, stash a can or bottle in your coat or handbag.

    – Even if you’re certain that you are included in the will, it’s considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home.

    – If you have to vacuum the bed, it’s time to change the sheets.

    – Always provide an alibi to the police for family members.

    • / Reply

      Oops, I just read my tweet. Seems autocorrect has taken over completely. Let me post the link with correct spelling of his honorable name.

      Don’t miss me; I’m racing the stars. Celebrate my life, don’t mourn me. I am free. RIP Spurious Precision

      http://t.co/0EYpBC6h

  19. / Reply

    Great RN jokes. Why do I keep thinking of it as “Registered Nurse” instead of “Redneck”?

    @Sue Noel– I am amazed at the kindnes of our Z-Dumplings too. Wonderful support group. All for one, and one for all.

    @TC–agree. You will be hugged and squeezed because we will be so glad to see you. Hubby really wants a guy friend to talk to, especially one with connections to Fort Worth, where he was born. ‘Night all, God bless, and Zs (both of you)–love you always.

  20. / Reply

    Paynter they said your Dr. laura was staying close to you even through the night.
    Even though were not there in person. Listen, Know we are with You. Praying as hard as we can for you to live. I have some very special angels I am asking to help and stay with you. A few special Devine one’s. God Bless you and make you well.
    Love You Paynter. God Speed

  21. / Reply

    Just made my picks on Fantasy Capping. So excited to hear Stephanoatsie is back in his first race since his injury. Had to use him plus Alpha in my exacta, I guess I’m betting with my heart since it’s his first race but the talent is there. Good luck everyone on your picks. Hugs

    • / Reply

      Sue,
      About 2 hours ago, there was this exchange of Tweets
      To A. Zayat “How are you? How is our #warrior this morning?”
      From A. Zayat “same. Will give a full report later in the afternoon”
      Today the casts should be removed.
      Mr. Zayat may be waiting to send a report on that as well as the colitis.
      So, I will be checking for an update later in day.
      Keta

  25. / Reply

    Monday, October 1 is Breeders’ Cup Night at Dodgers Stadium as the Dodgers take on the San Francisco Giants and battle for a spot in the playoffs! And we’re excited to be offering you exclusive savings on VIP tickets for what promises to be an action-packed night. Get your tickets now.

    In addition to this critical N.L. West showdown, the night’s attractions will include a first-pitch thrown by the world’s most glamorous jockey, Chantal Sutherland. You can also mingle with Southern California’s top jockeys, trainers and owners throughout the game.

    Please join us for a great night of baseball on October 1, and we’ll see you for two days of unbridled joy as the Breeders’ Cup returns to Santa Anita Park November 2 & 3.

  27. / Reply

    Dear TC, GP

    Welcome back and hope it will be for more than a little while. Hope your computer
    gets fixed and thanks to all of the special dumplings who helped TC with
    “everything”. You were very missed, TC.

    Love to Trina and Diana S for all of their great efforts.

  28. / Reply

    dear judy thanks for the lovely photos! theres another mare you might be interested in she’s called kincsem which means “my precious ” in hungarian theres also a wonderful animal sanctuary in essex i think many lovely horses there she and her partner martin run it by themselves its http://www.towerhill.com forgot to say kincsem ran in the 1870s! frankel was out and about on newmarket heath yesterday looking fantastic as usual!love and hugs sheenaX

      • / Reply

        Judy, Terry, Max, Ann & Sheena — Somebody wrote about Kincsem before me, but my favorite link has all about her cat and the ship:

        “Back across the English Channel at Deauville, France, a minor catastrophe occurred after the filly was unloaded from her ship. Kincsem had developed an intense fondness for a particular cat, which, along with a young lad named Frankie, traveled everywhere with her. On this particular occasion, the cat was unable to be located. The distraught filly refused to budge, calling incessantly for her cat. This went on for two hours. Finally, the truant feline heard her friend’s neigh and came running. The cat jumped on Kincsem’s back, and once reunited, horse and cat were loaded aboard the waiting train to take Kincsem to the racecourse.”

        And also more on her personality & her stable lad:

        “When Kincsem passed away, not just a horse died, but an animal with a uniquely individual personality. During her storied racing career, Kincsem seemed to enjoy nothing better than to travel to her next destination, and when she caught sight of the vehicle to transport her, she would whinny with delight. She loved traveling by train, and as soon as her lad Frankie and her beloved cat were safely aboard with her, she was blissfully happy.

        Kincsem adored Frankie and the feeling was mutual. There is an anecdote that one bitterly cold night the mare woke up to find Frankie curled up near her with no blanket. She pulled off her blanket and dropped it on Frankie, and from that night on, refused to have a blanket on at night, always dropping them on Frankie if one was placed upon her. Apparently, Frankie had no surname, and was known as just Frankie Kincsem. When he served in the military, Frankie used that name, and when he died, his headstone also bore that name.”

        http://www.tbheritage.com/Portraits/Kincsem.html

    • / Reply

      Kinscem may very well be the best horse of all time. It is certainly hard to fault her record. But, it is very difficult to compare horses from differant eras. According to Cynthia H, there is a sculpture of Kinscem in one of the rooms at Santa Anita.

      • / Reply

        Max,
        I often wonder,what goes on late at night, in some of these barns. I would love to hear the conversations between all inhabitants.
        That is delightful, Max. Thanks!

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