Wolf teeth?

[welshied]

What are your opinions on wolf teeth/removing them? My 4 year old has been backed recently so had dentist out and he said he had one but it was only like a pin prick and didn't seem as though it would cause him a problem, but whenhe went to be broken they said he had them both coming and they were already quite big and gave me the impression i should just have them removed before they cause a problem.
So what are peoples opinions just remove them before the cause a problem or see how they go?

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Have them removed before problems occur.

 

[appylass]

I chose to have my lad's removed before he was bitted. Vet had suggested I should as well. It was quick and easy - he didn't notice and it is one less thing to worry about. It was very important to me to get them out as I wanted bitting and backing to be as trouble free as possible.

 

[welshied]

I thought it would be best to just get them removed but the dentist didn't seem keen on the idea

 

[Jesstickle]

brown horse has one really big wolf tooth and the vet and dentist (he has seen both at some point or another) are both of the opinion that it should stay in.There isn't a chance of getting it out easily and he doesn't seem bothered by it so it's staying in.

Nitty is growing hers already but she'll keep them as long as they aren't a problem when it comes to riding her.

I wouldn't want my wisdom teeth ripped out just in case they caused a problem. I'd rather wait and see before pulling them out for no reason. That's just me though.

 

[Tnavas]

Would definately remove wolf teeth regardless of size.

They are so shallow rooted that any knock on them is painful.

One of my TB's had his removed but would get comments on his dressage sheet that he was head tilting - very slightly but consistant. My new dentist found the remains of a wolf tooth under the gum, this tiny piece was removed and head tilting went straight away.

 

[Clava]

I asked about having them removed from my pony, my vet said he would but why do so if they are not causing problems, he still has them and he we've never had a problem.

 

[indie999]

Hi

my horse had his removed a very long time ago before I owned him and when I had the equine dentist out recently mentioned to her this had been done.She laughed and told me she didnt know why people got them removed, that a lot of extractions were unneccessary and just because of their name that people had got the wrong idea that they were some evil big tooth monster! Well thats what she told me! The other horse owners knew she was coming to our area and was very good , she seemed to know her stuff?! Told me my horses teeth were really good as he lived out etc

Perhaps get a second opinion from another equine dentist?

 

[JanetGeorge]

She laughed and told me she didnt know why people got them removed, that a lot of extractions were unneccessary and just because of their name that people had got the wrong idea that they were some evil big tooth monster!

Well - frankly - she's a silly cow! The reason experienced horse trainers - particuylarly those who back youngsters - generally prefer wolf teeth removed is because SO many horses have a problem with them. The bit knocks them - it hurts - horse blames bit/being ridden - and then you have to interrupt training (often at the worst possible time) to have them removed. The damage is already done though - the horse doesn't trust the bit!

There is NO way of knowing if a wolf teeth (or 3) will cause a problem until they do - and then it's often too late (in terms of having a horse who accepts the bit kindly and is not 'fussy' in its mouth!)

A lot of 'dentists' poo-hoo wolf tooth problems because they damn well shouldn't be removing them - it should never be done without sedation/pain relief because you don't know until you start working on them whether they're shallow rooted and will come easily - or whether they're deep rooted and a nightmare to get out! If they're deep rooted - and a cack-handed dentist TRIES to remove them without proper sedation, horse will kick his/her head in!

 

[ggray1502]

Get them removed my mare was started and going well then she threw me off discovered she still had her wolf teeth and the combination of these a sore shoulder caused the problem meant she had to have a few weeks off which was a pest. Then took a few weeks for her to realise there was no pain.
I got our local horse specialist out who said they would always recommend it, Rosie was sedated and took 5 mins to get them both out

 

[FanyDuChamp]

Fany has one, is 15yo and has no trouble with it. Our EDT checks it regularly and says it is not causing her any problems. Her attitude is if it isn't hurting or causing problems it is best to leave it alone. Obviously if your horse's wolf tooth starts being an issue then that is different.

FDC

 

[VictoriaEDT]

Im of the "if it aint broke dont fix it" opinion where WT are concerned!

If the WT is "blind" (under the gum line) then always advise removal but with normally errupted WT I let the client know they are there, if they want them removed then arrange a re visit with the vet to sedate. Sometimes owners chose to leave them in as they arent causing problems and as long as they know what to look out for should problems arise so they can have them removed at a later date then I dont see the problem with leaving them in.

 

[indie999]

Well - frankly - she's a silly cow! You sound a charming lady

 

[JanetGeorge]

Well - frankly - she's a silly cow! You sound a charming lady

You haven't quite cracked using quotes, have you?

I CAN be charming - but I object strongly to so-called 'professionals' giving silly advice for silly reasons! I call it as I see it!

 

[indie999]

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horsecare/article.php?aid=99729