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How to Remove Wolf Teeth on a Horse

"Wolf teeth" in horses are vestigial premolar teeth that appear in the gap, called "the bars," between the rear molars and the front incisors. They are usually shed before age 3. But if the horse is asked to accept a bit before they are gone, these non-functional teeth can interfere with the bit and cause pain and behavioral reactions, such as head-shaking and unresponsiveness.

Things You'll Need

Equine sedative
Local anesthetic
Equine dental tools
Horse gag

Instructions

- 1
  Restrain the horse, sedate it as necessary, and insert a gag to hold the mouth open.
- 2
  X-ray the area to reveal any unerupted or "blind" wolf teeth.
- 3
  Anesthetize the gum around the wolf tooth with an application of anesthetic gel or an injection of liquid anesthetic.
- 4
  Incise the gum around the wolf tooth to expose the root.
- 5
  Use the appropriate tools to detach the wolf tooth from its socket (in the old days, this was done with a hammer and chisel).
- 6
  Lift the detached tooth from the socket and discard it.
- 7
  Control any bleeding with direct pressure.
- 8
  Suture the gum as necessary to close the wound.
- 9
  Remove the gag.
- 10
  Allow four to five days for soft tissue to heal before putting a bit in the horse's mouth.

Animals & Science