Veterinary Science Preparatory Training for the Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Science Preparatory Training for the Veterinary Assistant Floron C. Faries, Jr., DVM, MS

Determining Age of Animals Floron C. Faries, Jr., DVM, MS

Objectives  Discuss the importance of determining the age of animals  Describe the methods to determine the age of a cow  Describe the methods to determine the age of a horse  Describe the methods to determine the age of a dog  Describe the methods to determine the age of a cat

Aging Methods  Birth date – the only accurate method for age  Teeth examinations – estimate methods for age 

Eruption dates – fairly reliable 



Tooth breaks gum line

Wear dates – unreliable 

Sharp edges, cusps and cups disappear – variable

Sets of Teeth  Temporary – deciduous (“baby teeth”)  

Small White

 Permanent  

Large Off white, yellow, brown

Types of Teeth (Occur in pairs – Lt/Rt)  Incisors – I 1., I 2., I 3., I 4.   

Central – 1st Intermediate – 2nd (or 2nd and 3rd) Lateral (Corner) – 3rd (or 4th)

 Canine - C  Premolars – PM 1., PM 2., PM 3., PM 4.  Molars – M 1., M 2., M 3.

Importance of Aging  Determine feeding  Determine weaning  Determine medicating  Determine breeding

 Determine spaying and neutering  Determine exhibiting

Aging Horses

Aging Ruminants

Aging Dogs

Aging Cats