Evaluation and Extraction of Wolf Teeth

Wolf tooth is the common term used to describe upper and lower first premolars (105, 205, 305, 405). Wolf teeth generally erupt between 6–18 months of age, but this may be quite variable. Forty to 80% of domestic horses erupt at least one wolf tooth with lower wolf teeth being much more rare. Double wolf teeth on one side occasionally may be observed. Wolf teeth are often concurrently shed with the deciduous 2nd premolar (506, 606, 706, 806) which would lead to the decreased percentage (15–20%) of horses over 2.5 years having wolf teeth present. The erupting permanent 2nd premolar often causes resorption of the wolf tooth root if it is positioned in close proximity to the deciduous 2nd premolar. This may result in loss of the wolf tooth as the deciduous 2nd premolar is shed. This may also result in a shortened root of the wolf tooth which will then falsely appear broken when extracted.

On oral examination the interdental space should be palpated digitally as well as observed visually. Wolf teeth are generally positioned in close proximity to the 2nd premolar. Wolf teeth displaced rostrally in the interdental space often erupt at an angle and may not break through the gingiva. Unerupted wolf teeth, often referred to as ‘blind’ wolf teeth, are palpated as firm nodules under the oral mucosa rostral to the 2nd premolar in the interdental space and may occur on the upper or lower jaw. These teeth are often painful and over time may become exposed as the oral mucosa becomes ulcerated by trauma from coarse feed materials or the bit. [...]