Wolf tooth

As a wolf tooth (Latin dens Lupinus ) is called the horse of the first premolar (P1). There is a rudimentary, small, pin-shaped tooth, which is an evolutionary relic of the horse teeth. The wolf teeth are not created each horse. Break -scale wolf teeth, especially in the lower jaw, often not through the gum - in this case one speaks of a "blind wolf tooth ".

If anything, Wolf teeth break through in the first year of life. Due to the pressure from chewing, it may be a shift ( " migration ") of the wolf tooth and mucosal injury. From the age of three ossified ligaments holding the tooth and the root canal and pulp chamber, the seal with Ersatzdentin.

Clinical Significance

When riding on snaffle or curb the wolf teeth can cause the horse pain and so ( fight back, shaking his head, against the teeth, etc.) to defensive reactions of the horse lead.

Usually, the wolf teeth from the vet with pliers and / or chisel to remove. The procedure is relatively straightforward, because the wolf teeth are usually not firmly anchored in the jaw. In horses that are older than three years, it is due to the ossification of the periodontium may not be possible to pull the tooth. Then, only the protruding from the alveolar part is simply dropped and smoothed the surface. The wounds heal within a few days.