LUMP on side of jaw - maybe "wolf teeth"?

[Piper522]

Okay...for those of you who don't know me...I rode in high school had a horse, it died, then I didn't ride for over 20 years. This past April I bought my first horse after 20 years so I am basically starting all over again. I feel pretty ignorant about some things with my horse and if I don't research and read up on something, I really have no idea what to do.

Anyhow, my BO called me and said Cabo (4 year old Breeding Stock Paint) has a hard lump between the crease of his mouth and cheek. She took his temperature and pulse, both normal. She said it may be something to do with his Wolf teeth. She told me she would call the vet in the morning and get him out to the barn to check him over. The vet is also the equine dentist.

So...before I go searching on the internet about Wolf teeth...can anybody give me some insight?

Thank you in advance!

[WashingtonBay]

Only that as they mature, the wolf teeth come in, and perhaps she thinks yours is impacted? The teeth coming in isn't usually reason to have the vet out... but they should eventually be removed or they can interfere with bitting.

[Piper522]

WB -She has to have the Vet come out to see her mare so we will split the vet bill...Do Wolf teeth have to be pulled? I guess I could have the vet come out and clean for beans all at the same time!:eek: I have never done that!

[WashingtonBay]

Yes, I'd say wolf teeth nearly always should be pulled. They don't always interfere with snaffles, but definitely need pulled before using any kind of bar or curb bit.

[elevenelevenxo]

Melissa, the vet may need to just float Cabo's teeth rather than completely pull them (just file them down a bit). I've heard of some horses never needing to see a dentist or have anything done with their teeth, but others need regular floating, usually about once a year.

Luckily he seemed pretty normal to me - I didn't even notice the lump until Lauren said something! He was completely fine when I haltered him and turned him out in the indoor while I cleaned his stall....so he's ok. :) We were hoping you weren't freaking out too much!!

[Piper522]

Thanks Jessica...I have never had his teeth "floated" since I have owned him. (Only been since April) so I will have to check my records to see if/when it was last done. I worry...but I am sure he will be fine. thanks for letting me know.

[vicklynn]

For not being around horses for 20 yrs, you sure picked a beauty. Your eye is still good;)
Thats cool about splitting the vet call. Hope you find your answer today.

[Piper522]

Awe...thanks Vicklynn. He wasn't so cute when I got him but he had that gentle eye and he was so sweet! Here is a picture from his previous owner. He was really skinny...he looked so sad!

[vicklynn]

Yup, from that pic, you sure can see the possibilities. Glad you got him and he is well taken care of now.

[elevenelevenxo]

Oh, he looks much better under an English saddle. ;)

[Piper522]

I would have to agree Jessica! I saw the lump tonight...the vet is coming out THursday morning. He is eating...I even lunged him a bit....I hope it is just something to do with his teeth and nothing serious.....

[Country Girl 43]

I don't know if this is the same thing without seeing pictures, but....Ladybird sometimes gets a "lump" on the side of her mouth, but a little higher up. It turns out she gets some of her food stuck up in between her cheek and gums. Once she gets some water it usually rinses it out.

first time it happened it scared the crap out of me, but then we figured out what was happening and laughed. Just need to make sure she always gets it out so bacteria doesn't form there.

[Piper522]

This lump is HARD. Not just like when there is a bruise and it is mushy! It is under his cheeckbone...I am adding a picture later. The vet comes out tomorrow...I hope it is nothing.