Case Report: Mandibular Wolf Tooth Extraction in a Kurdish Horse – A Rare Occurrence

Background: Wolf tooth in horses is usually found in the maxillary dental arcade, located anterior to the second premolar. Primary premolars (wolf tooth) are present in both the maxilla and mandible during fetal life. Many of them never fully develop, but instead degenerate and become incorporated in the upper or lower jawbone. Mandibular wolf tooth is a rare phenomenon, occurring in only about ۱ to ۵% of cases. The sharp edges of this tooth have sometimes been reported as a reason for bit resistance in horses. This small tooth, located just rostral to the upper cheek tooth row, is commonly removed in performance horses. Methods: A ۶-year-old Kurdish horse was presented with signs of hypersalivation, tongue ulcers, dentigerous cysts, and disobedience during training. Oral examination revealed a small tooth-like structure located rostral to the mandibular second premolar, consistent with a mandibular wolf tooth. After clinical examination, intravenous xylazine ۲% (α₂-adrenergic agonist) was administered for sedation, and ۲% lidocaine was used for local anesthesia. Because of their short root structure, they are easily extracted from the standing animal. The tooth was loosened with a dental elevator and extracted intact using forceps. Following extraction, the site was irrigated with normal saline, topical triamcinolone was applied to control inflammation, and the diet was modified to soft forage for ۴۸ hours. Minimal aftercare and work restriction are required for socket healing. Results: Mandibular wolf tooth is uncommon and can interfere with bit placement, leading to discomfort and training issues. In this case, the symptoms resolved after extraction, emphasizing the importance of thorough oral examinations in horses presenting with behavioral problems. Conclusion: Veterinarians should consider mandibular wolf teeth as a potential cause of oral discomfort and performance problems. Early diagnosis and proper extraction can significantly improve welfare and performance in affected horses.

کلیدواژه ها:

Equine Dentistry ، Mandibular wolf tooth ، Kurdish Horse ، Tooth extraction