15/05/2025
“Wolf teeth” are the small, function-less first premolars that sit in front of the cheek teeth, present in around 25% of horses. They can occur in both the upper and lower jaws, but are most commonly found in the upper jaw. They often cause no harm, however in some horses they may be a source of discomfort due to their positioning right where the bit sits. As a result we often remove them prior to the breaking process, and whilst it is not a complicated procedure, it requires specific equipment alongside sedation and local anaesthetic. Wolf teeth can only be removed by either a vet, or an Equine Dental Technician under the direct supervision of a vet, and where the horse has been sedated and had local anaesthetic injected by the supervising vet.
Wolf teeth can also be “blind” i.e. not erupted through the gum, or “displaced” i.e. not sitting in their normal position which can make removal more complicated, and these cases must only be removed by a vet.
The exact technique used can vary slightly, however in this video Rhiannah shows how the tooth is slowly separated from the socket by tapping the dental elevators gently with a mallet. This technique helps to put constant pressure on the periodontal ligaments and reduces the likelihood of the elevators slipping and causing accidental damage in the mouth. The tooth is gradually loosened from all angles, before removal using forceps.
Wolf teeth come in all shapes and sizes, and can have varying root lengths. Sometimes the tip of the root may fracture, which although very annoying, rarely causes a problem for the horse, as long as the tooth is healthy and the fragment is below the surface.
Most horses tolerate this procedure very well, and the healing time is quick – we recommend you don’t bit the horse for just 7 days to allow the socket to granulate and heal over. 2 year old Finnan was the perfect patient, proving that it’s not a painful procedure if the correct sedation and local anaesthetic are used.
It’s also very important to have a Veterinary Assistant/emotional support dog during the procedure, which Murphy performed the role of perfectly!
If you are unsure if your horse has wolf teeth, or you would like to speak to a vet further about the procedure, then please call us on 01332 294929.
