Wolf Teeth: Are They a Problem?
Wolf teeth typically have appeared by the time the horse is 5-7 months old and are more common on the top jaw although can be present in lower jaw or both.
Although they are often quite small (less than 1cm or 2/5' in length) and typically with very short roots wolf teeth are important because they are situated immediately in front of the premolars exactly where the bit when reins are engaged would normally sit.
Trouble can often arise when one or both are angled or slightly out of alignment. The horse will typically try to avoid contact with the teeth by evading the bit and moving crooked if one side is affected.
As a general rule horses that need to extend their nose the most (e.g. jumpers or other speed event horses) are more likely to have these teeth interfere with the bit.
Since the roots are very short, most veterinarians will recommend the teeth be removed in a simple extraction procedure taking out the guesswork of whether they are the problem source or not. This can typically done during a routine dental exam.
We recommend you consult your vet and book in a dental exam if you suspect that your horse has wolf teeth and they need removing.
Although they are often quite small (less than 1cm or 2/5' in length) and typically with very short roots wolf teeth are important because they are situated immediately in front of the premolars exactly where the bit when reins are engaged would normally sit.
Trouble can often arise when one or both are angled or slightly out of alignment. The horse will typically try to avoid contact with the teeth by evading the bit and moving crooked if one side is affected.
As a general rule horses that need to extend their nose the most (e.g. jumpers or other speed event horses) are more likely to have these teeth interfere with the bit.
Since the roots are very short, most veterinarians will recommend the teeth be removed in a simple extraction procedure taking out the guesswork of whether they are the problem source or not. This can typically done during a routine dental exam.
We recommend you consult your vet and book in a dental exam if you suspect that your horse has wolf teeth and they need removing.
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