DENTAL HEALTH What to do about wolf teeth

Q:

Is it still routine to remove a horse’s wolf teeth, even if they aren’t bothering him at all?

Steven Burrows Stockton, California

A:

The answer to this question is both yes and no. It is important to understand that the wolf teeth themselves almost never actually bother the horse but, in some limited cases, they can interfere with performance.

For some background, the wolf teeth are the horse’s first premolars. They sit directly in front of and in contact with the second premolar teeth but are not shaped like the remainder of the horse’s cheek teeth (the premolars and molars collectively). The canine teeth are often confused with wolf teeth by horse owners, but understanding the difference is essential. While the canines erupt closer to the incisors and are still large teeth with long roots, the wolf teeth are vestiges of prehistoric development that serve no function in the modern horse and therefore are quite small with shallow roots.

Most horses---approximately 70 percent---have maxillary (upper) wolf teeth, while very few have mandibular (lower) wolf teeth, which are more likely to interfere with the bit. Because of their placement and minimal root attachment, a majority of wolf teeth would actually shed with the deciduous (baby) teeth at approximately 30 months of age on their own. Those that do not shed naturally are often the most appropriate candidates for extraction---those that are large, displaced or in the mandible.

In some circles, it is still considered routine to remove wolf teeth when a young horse is about to enter training. For example, in the racing industry and certain performance horse sports, wolfteeth extraction is common because of the desire to avoid any potential training issues and setbacks when high level work is expected of young horses. Likewise, some pleasure horse trainers request that the wolf teeth be extracted when the horse enters training to avoid any potential issues. Nonetheless, veterinary dental specialists recognize that the wolf teeth do not actually need

to be removed on a routine basis.

The extraction of wolf teeth, while typically quick and simple, is not without risks and potential complications. Laceration of the palatine artery can occur with a small slip of the hand, leading to significant blood loss. Another common complication can occur if the roots of the wolf teeth break off during the extraction process. The retention of these roots can lead to chronic discomfort or abscess formation.

Therefore, the answer to your question is situation-dependent. It is important to take all factors into account

when deciding whether to extract the wolf teeth. In a young performance horse with limited time to train prior to competition, the more common, albeit unnecessary, decision may be to remove the wolf teeth. In a pleasure horse, it may be wiser to watch for any bitting issues after training has begun and allow the teeth to be shed naturally if possible.

The decision to extract the wolf teeth is best made in consultation with your veterinarian. If the wolf teeth are to be extracted, it is important that the procedure be performed by a veterinarian with equine dentistry experience. Veterinarians are trained to avoid complications and are equipped to handle any that might occur. Moreover, veterinarians are the only professionals able to legally sedate horses, and they can provide the best pain relief for your horse during and after the procedure.

Apryle Horbal, VMD, MPhil

MRCVS DAVDC-EQ

AVDC Specialist in Equine

Veterinary Dentistry, UVS Equine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania