Q: My horse is now seven-years-old
and still has his wolf teeth. Although he doesn't seem to be suffering from any
discomfort I've been told that he should have had them removed when he was
much younger. Is this true?
A: The wolf teeth, usually found in the upper jaw, can actually be extracted at any age, although as
they have no purpose in the mouth, they are usually removed from the young horse
to prevent interference with the bit. Whether or not to extract wolf teeth
depends on many factors - it would require a visit from an equine dental
technician (EDT) or vet to examine and assess their shape, size and location - but
extraction would be more likely if the wolf teeth are:
¨ Small or sharp
¨ Facing too far forward or outward
¨ Only present in one side of the mouth
¨ Loose or damaged
¨ Blind, meaning that the tooth has not erupted through the gum, causing pain when the bit pushes against this area.
Behaviour that may indicate that wolf teeth are causing a problem includes resistance to the bit, headshaking, or signs of general discomfort in the mouth when the horse is ridden. One advantage to removal is that it enables your EDT to 'round' the first cheek teeth, which would otherwise be obstructed by the wolf teeth. Rounding these teeth makes it more comfortable for the horse to have a bit in its mouth. Note that wolf teeth, provided they have come through properly, have no effect on unridden horses and, in these circumstances, can be left well alone.
If you decide to have your horse's wolf teeth removed, ensure that you use a qualified EDT or vet and that your horse is sedated. Following extraction, he will not be able to have a bit in his mouth for 7 to 10 days, to allow it to heal.