Dentistry Update: Considerations for Wolf Tooth Extraction

Authors: Kindleysides K
Publication: The Equine Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 46, Issue 2, pp 27-30, Jun 2021
Publisher: Equine Veterinarians Branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association

Animal type: Horse
Article class: Newsletter article

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Abstract: Wolf teeth are vestigial premolars of the horse that are commonly extracted to prevent behavioural and performance issues. Veterinarians should be mindful of the clinical indication when embarking on wolf tooth removal considering the risks of painful complications. Analgesia is required in addition to sedation and can be easily achieved by local infusion block. Extraction must be done with care to ensure the full tooth is removed and any complications identified and acknowledged to the owner with an appropriate plan put in place. Veterinarians must be aware of these risks and their responsibilities before initiating an extraction or providing analgesia for a competent non-veterinarian performing the procedure.

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