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Wolf Teeth Extraction:
"Wolf Tooth" is the common term used to
describe the first cheek tooth (premolar). They are
vestigial, come in various shapes, sizes, & positions, and are
usually present in both upper arcades.
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Wolf Teeth vs Canine
Teeth. Wolf Teeth are often
confused with the Canine Teeth by inexperienced owners and
fraudulent "equine dentists." (Note the position, size
and shape of the wolf teeth in the pictures above.)
Wolf Teeth are vestigial, canine teeth are fully developed.
Extraction of a Canine Tooth is rarely indicated and is a
MAJOR surgical event, usually performed under general
anesthesia.
I mention this as a WARNING! Each year I am
asked to give second opinions on cases where an "equine
dentists" has recommended extraction of a canine tooth
believing it to be a wolf tooth. |
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Lower Wolf Teeth
are rare, but if present are usually a problem in the bitted
horse.
The exposed crown may be only the "tip of the iceberg," and
the subgingival root may be extensive.
Radiographs may be indicated to correctly evaluate the tooth
before extraction. |
Wolf Teeth have been routinely extracted from
horses to prevent bitting problems for centuries, and the debate
about the necessity of this procedure has continued just as
long. Extraction is performed to prevent the cheek tissues
from being pinched between the bit and the wolf teeth.
Also, Wolf Teeth abnormally positioned forward on the bars may
create painful contact with the bit. Finally, the presence
of wolf teeth often makes correction of hook malocclusions and
bit seat application on the front cheek teeth difficult or
impossible.
Following an old adage "no wolf tooth does any
good, may do harm, so extract them all," Dr. Stephen Galloway
recommends extracting the wolf teeth on all bitted horses.
Extraction is usually performed along with routine dental care
before training begins (18-24 months) or at the same
time as castration.
Wolf Tooth extraction is a SURGICAL PROCEDURE
and should only be performed by a trained veterinarians.
The procedure is performed under standing sedation and with
local anesthesia. The wolf teeth are completely
"extracted," including the roots, not just broken off at the
base of the crown. Recovery is usually uneventful, and
the horse can return to the bit within 2 weeks.
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Sedation & Local
Anesthesia:
With the patient in stock for restraint,
local anesthesia is applied to the tissues around the upper
wolf teeth.
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Extraction Instruments.
Various elevator and forceps are used to
ensure that the entire tooth is removed, Not just the
Crown! |
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