Wolf teeth

I'm pretty sure you mean canine teeth. No, they do not need to be removed. If they become a problem the vet/dentist will sometimes file them down a bit, but they don't need to be removed. Many horses over 5 have them and never even have to have anything done to them.

A lot of people have the wolf teeth removed, but it isn't necessary unless they cause a problem. The dentist's I know won't pull them unless asked to do so.

Monster do you mean the wolf teeth or the canines? I've never known anyone not to pull wolf teeth (they interfere with bit seat), but I've never known anyone to pull canines.

I mean wolf teeth. Pulling them is starting to be considered controversial as is putting in bit seats.

Interesting. I hadn't heard that. Don't some horses shed them on their own? Lace's were coming out on their own when we got her. I can't say I've ever known a 5yo to have them (guess they were pulled before then).

Not all horses get wolf teeth and less often in females. Current research is finding that bit seats probably do more damage than good as they can expose the pulp cavity, which is painful and can cause long term problems.

Bit seats are where the first premolars on the top and bottom are filed down at an angle back towards the throat. They are thought to reduce discomfort when tissue gets caught between the bit and the teeth, but the dentists I talked to say that they are seeing more long term damage to the teeth from the loss of the protective dentin layer and exposure of sensitive underlying tooth layers. It is a highly debated topic though.

Whats a bit seat, I`ve never heard of that??? Thanks for the replies, I`ll leave them but how will I know if he`s uncomfortable besides playing around with the bit?

So, out of curiosity, were you talking about wolfs or canines?

I had my palomino checked when 2 to get them pulled and he had none, my 2 girls ...having a brain cramp I have not had them pulled and i dont think they both have them, but they are both being bitted and riden with little issues, I think the 3 yr old was having an issue and it resolved , not sure she wont need the molars filed, but i dont think it is a wolf tooth issue. i think she might have a sharp molar in her cheek.

That's the canines, not wolf teeth. Wolf teeth erupt at 6-12 months. Canines erupt at 4+ years.

IMO yes. As far as I'm concerned, pulling canines is never an option. Pulling wolf teeth is something that is commonly done. As for canines, IME, most are either left alone or just filed down a bit (very small amount, just enough to keep them from getting in the way). I think some may not even file them down. So until they get to the point where they are interfering with something, they probably don't need anything at all. Your vet or dentist will make their recommendation based on the individual case and go from there.

Here is a photo of a canine tooth that is counted as being "a bit long" by the dentist on the site where the photo came from, however I've seen much longer not cause problems.

http://www.myequinenetwork.com/Portals/0..." onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've personally never seen canines bother a horse (wolf teeth yes, but not canines). Usually the bit sits enough behind the canines not to be much issue. If he gets them on the top two just watch if they get close to making contact. I think you'll know if it bothers him somehow, but I'd still have your vet or dentist take a peek and make their call.

If the canine teeth are starting to come through, it is possibly the pain from "teething." Have you checked the rest of his teeth for problems?

Whoops, I guess I should read more thoroughly before I write... :roll: