Wolf teeth!

[HairyCob]

I have had conflicting advice regarding wolf teeth- some people say 'leave them alone- he'll be fine with them', others say 'dont put a bit in his mouth til they're gone'!

So what do you folks think? Could HC's fairly new wolf teeth be causing him discomfort and thus contributing to the problems we have been having lately?

As usual I am looking at every possiblity to explain why he felt it necessary to dump me on the floor at high speed!

[JaniceH]

I have heard that wolf teeth could cause problems, I would get the dentist out to check, so at least you could rule it out.

[wildponies]

i asked my vet about this recently and he said that normally they don't cause a problem and it depends on which way they're facing? He said that they can make the bit uncomfortable as the teeth take up a lot of room but again depends on the positioning. If it's his wolf teeth that have caused his new habit of ditching you then it's more than likely that they're causing him discomfort, maybe if you got a dentist out to check all your problems would be solved :D

[ladyrose]

Usually they aren't a problem, but it's still best to get them checked: as he's young, you don't want him resisting the bit as soon as you put it in his mouth because its hurting him!!

[shandy84]

I work on the basis if you're not sure get it checked, they can cause difficulties in some horses but not all and I don't like to fiddle with the mouth if it can be avoided. I was told to get them removed they have to drill a hole in the jaw to get to them and get them out......definatly not something to be done just because they're there.

[cvb]

I was under the impression wolf teeth have quite short roots ? I'm sure the vet/dentist just tapped them out - no real problem. But it was many years ago so my memory could be failing me.... must go collect my pension some time soon......(joke)

[Mehitabel]

our vet just sedates and taps them out cvb - i've held them for it many times.

definitely worth getting checked out HC - if it solves the problems then great, and if not then what have you lost.

[Esther.D]

was under the impression wolf teeth have quite short roots ? I'm sure the vet/dentist just tapped them out - no real problem. But it was many years ago so my memory could be failing me.... must go collect my pension some time soon......(joke)

I was under the same impression:) The instance Shandy describes sounds like a case with complications of some kind (ouch..:eek: ) ...but then the last time I saw wolf teeth taken out was over 13 years ago :rolleyes: ;)

[shandy84]

Hey guys have said I never have seen them come out that is just what I was told if hat isn't the case then sirry but nonetheless stick to the point get them checked so you know if they have to come out.

[entreat]

The size of HC's mouth is also a factor. If he has enough room for wolf teeth and a bit, & its not bothering him, then leave them. If he has a smaller mouth, you'll want the dentist to have look.

Our TB has his wolfies still in, but he has a long mouth, so plenty of room.

[chev]

The dentist has just seen Lili and May - both have one wolf tooth, one on the lower right, the other on the lower left. He advised me to have them out if they were being ridden. Both are Welshies, with not a lot of room in their mouths.

I'd get a dentist (not a vet) to have a quick look. It's not usually a big deal to remove them and it would at least set your mind at rest.

[Zingy]

As you're having problems you may as well have them taken out. No point losing your horse and your confidence over something potentially so simple to resolve. Very sensitive horses can have extreme reactions, others won't bother at all.

[HairyCob]

Thanks for the replies folks! I'll get the dentist out to take a look! Typical HC, he only has three through at the moment..... two bottom, one top! No doubt knowing my bank account's luck he will need the three out, and then in six weeks time the other one will come popping thru and he'll need that one out too!:rolleyes:

[shakari]

There not all that expensive to have out, my horse is very sensitive mouthed and has just aquired one and my pony is only wee and has 2 so they have the vet (my vet is also a very qualified horse dentist) coming on friday to whip them out for good measure. All it takes is a dose of sedative and an instrument that looks like some sort of spanner tap (huh?) it takes all of about 20 seconds, but needs about 5 days of bit rest afterwards (there is no harm in riding in a bitless if you are brave enough!) It's worth ago, he may even of just had grumpy teething pains recently while it was coming through!

[shandy84]

I had the dentist out yesterday afternoon and Shandy had to have her two woolf teeth out as they were hooked and sitting in the bit line. It cost me £80 to have Shandy's woolf teeth and float done and Bramble's float done so wouldn't have thought it was that much. She just had a gel put on the area to numb it and then he knocked it out ouch made me wicne but he said she can be bitted in a couple of days. So as I said if it's necessary get it doen if not just keep an eye on them

[PoisynRose]

We had the dentist out for the annual check up and he mentioned that Lolly has wolf teeth. He looked at them and said they shouldnt be a problem. they are nowhere near where the bit goes and it doesnt seem to be causing trouble.

My advice is to get the dentist out and see what he has to say. every equines body is different and when it comes to stuff like that its best to get a professional opinion

[HairyCob]

I am a complete and utter plonker! It's not wolf teeth I meant at all, it's tushes!! He does have one wolf tooth coming thru tho (close inspection of mouth today!) so I will be getting the dentist out anyway..... but what about tushes? They look like they are at a funny angle, and quite far back from his front teeth to me- does that make any sense at all?!!