wolf teeth

[harrihjc]

Flash has always been a gobby little sod, he's had his teeth done (they were so sharp they were cutting him and causing ulcers, and it had only been 6 months since they were last done

) and for about 2 weeks he was so much better about his mouth, but now he seems unhappy again. They did say he may need to have his wolf teeth out as they were pointing into his cheeks, but to see how he goes. I'm thinking I'm probably going to have to get them taken out, who has had this done? Is it quite a quick and simple procedure? Anything I should be aware of/worry about?

Thanks

 

[KatB]

My cob had his removed without sedation or anything and was fine. Carried on hunting him with a hackamore

Goddy hasnt had his out yet i dont think...

 

[harrihjc]

Do they usually need a while off after then? I know I wouldn't want a bit in my mouth if a dentist had been anywhere near me!

 

[Kermie]

I had a pony whose wolf teeth were extracted by an equine dentist (not an EDT) several years ago, then I discovered it was illegal. Personally, having read up on it a bit more, extracting them without sedation is rather cruel. There's a study online that says

[ QUOTE ]
.....poor technique in removing wolf teeth may well lead to problems - either behavioural if the horse was hurt or frightened during the procedure; or physical if remnants of the tooth are left.

[/ QUOTE ]

My pony was very lucky that he didn't go into shock (and it was a close call) and I've always had the vet extract wolf teeth since then and never had such a bad experience.

When done properly it's not usually a big deal. Some of my ponies have needed quite a bit of manual work on the part of the vet to extract the teeth though (mainly when they are big and deep rooted) so the sedation means the ponies aren't being traumatised.

They usually need a week or two off after extraction.

 

[harrihjc]

Had no idea it was illegal! Flash's dentist seemed very knowledgable about it and says she does them a lot, and he likes her and was practically falling asleep when she did his teeth, but with the vet it was full scale war with a rearing horse who wouldn't open his mouth! He'd definitely have the vet to sedate him tho! 2 weeks off is fine, he had 2 months off and was as quiet as anything coming back into work

 

[JadeWisc]

I have had it done a couple of times and it is swift and easy! They will need to be sedated just as when you have a float done. Many vets will do it with a gelding if they can


They come out much easier than 'normal' teeth and seem to just fall out when pressure is applied. Some horses have them more impacted though.

I have seen them shatter into pieces upon extraction though so thorough removal is critical

 

[snurse]

It's usually no big deal. Wolf teeth are usually tiny with hardly any root. As to whether you sedate or - depends on the horse and how he is with dental work generally. If the wolf teeth practically fall out, then you can probably bit him again after a few days.