Wolf teeth removal

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Laura2408

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Has anyone had this done?

Just wondered if it actually solved any problems as my horse is very mouthy and occasionally headshakes and the dentist has recommended the wolf teeth are removed?
It's expensive and the vet isn't sure it will help but is willing to do it.

How long is the recovery and did it make any difference to your horse at all?
 
Removing wolf teeth is normally a simple job and not an expensive one, I would certainly recommend it for a fussy headshaker, I think I would ask the vet a bit more about what they plan to make it expensive, it is usually a case of possibly mild sedation if they are difficult, then grabbing hold of the small tooth and pulling it out, if they are very tight sometimes a local is used but most of mine have had it done very easily with little objection, a few days off then back to normal, no real treatment afterwards other than a wash out with salt water.

If you vet plans on taking the horse in and making it complicated maybe shop around for a better deal, a dentist can do it but should only do so under veterinary supervision although many will take a loose one out quietly.
 
My Fell pony had his taken out just before his 4th birthday on advice of the vet. He was done at home sedated and with local anaesthetic. We allowed 2 weeks without a bit in his mouth as his wolf teeth had very long roots - very glad we had it done. Pony was happy to be backed and start the ridden job after the teeth had been extracted.
 
Thanks both of you.
She's nervous and quite feisty so needs local and sedation. I have been quoted almost £300 for this and the removal so not cheap although I'm happy to have it done if it will help and has minimal risk.

She headshakes, head tosses and snatches at the bit. Everything else has been checked and no problems found.

The vet isn't sure that it's the teeth causing a problem or if she is a headshaker so does not want to remove them incase it will be unneccessary but will if I insist.
 
One of mine had it done last year as she was mouthy and unsettled with the bit, it was done at home and was reasonably simple although it actually broke as the vet removed it, so she had to go back in to dig around for the rest.

2 days on bute then 10 days unbitted was the recovery. I didn't find that it helped her settle anymore with the bit unfortunately.
 
My vet quoted £75 (without call out) for my Exmoor's wolf tooth to be removed. It's not yet ready to come out, but the vet is coming back in August to check on it's progress and see if it's ready. She had one out before I bought her but she's always had a really pleasant mouth to hold, so I can't comment in that respect.

I hope it all goes smoothly for you and you see a difference :)
 
If there is a question mark then I would tend to have them taken out. Doesn't guarantee it is that ofc but it does help to rule it out and it could be what's causing it.

It does sound quite expensive but then vet's fees can cover quite a range these days!

ETA I've just found out that mine has a lower wolf tooth, which apparently is pretty rare. I knew he was special but I'd rather he wasn't so special as that, as he will def need to have that one out as it is slightly mobile and could well be affecting his way of going (acc to vet and EDT).
 
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Ive had 2 horses who have needed them out. One of them had it growen the wrong way under the gum and the other had managed to fracture one. 4/5 year olds.

Recovery was easy in both. The one along the gum was a bit longer recovery but both were ridden on day 3 bitless for a couple of weeks.

Contact was better afterwards.

However, £300 seems very expensive unless your call out is over £150!
 
I get teeth done and wolf teeth (if there) removed before backing. They don' always cause problems with the bit - but if they do, a horse remembers the pain associated with the bit and often takes months or years to settle. They can be easy to remove with tiny roots, or 30 minutes labour - with a sweaty vet - always sedation and if deep, followed with antibiotics and bute. Time taken dictates cost but have never had to pay more than £200-ish with the easy ones being half that. It's not a particularly skilled or difficult job - not like the very back molar. I have one of those in a plastic bag on my desk - it was 6 inches long and cost me £900!!!
 
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