How do you determine if and when a horses's wolf teeth need removing?

Wolf teeth are removed surgically if their size or location could cause painful bumping by the snaffle bit or pinching of the horse's skin between the wolf teeth and snaffle bit. If a wolf tooth is small and fits tightly up against the second premolar, it might not cause a problem. But if the wolf tooth is large or there is a space between the wolf tooth and second premolar, it is much more likely to result in a problem because the tooth is standing alone, unprotected and the mouthpiece of the bit could hang up in the space between the wolf tooth and the second premolar.





Wolf teeth are usually removed when a yearling colt is gelded to take advantage of the fact that he is already sedated for the castration. With fillies, wolf teeth can be removed anytime after about 12 months of age and before snaffle bit training begins.





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How do you determine if and when a horses's wolf teeth need removing?
If your having alot of trouble with your horse throwing his head when you ask for him to do anything that makes you put any pressure on the bit ...it may seem like you have a heavy hand but it could be the teeth....the bit hits his teeth when you are asking him to do stuff ....sometimes even while you are leading him he may try to pull his head away...if you go through a lot of bits trying to find the right one with no luck ... that might make you think it is his teeth and the not the bit..anyway call your vet and get his opinion
Reply:Wolf teeth should be removed if the horse is having trouble with the bit. If you don't use a bit, don't worry about it. Wolf teeth take up the space where the bit lies in the mouth. If metal hits the tooth it hurts. Try tapping your tooth with a metal spoon, you will see exactly how the horse feels.
Reply:They will be very sensitive at the mouth and may even become nippy-- they will have trouble eating too and may stop all together... Make sure you get a dental checkup at least once a year, and if you suspect your horse has a bad wolf tooth you should call the dentist!

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