Disarming a Llama's Fighting Teeth
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Fighting teeth
Llamas' canine teeth have evolved to become dangerous weapons. Instead of four, llamas now have six (and sometimes eight) razor-sharp canines, more commonly called "fighting teeth." It is important to remove the exposed portions of these teeth for herd
and handler safety. (Most scientists still contend that the first upper canines are in fact modified incisors, but the evidence for that viewpoint is pretty slim. The exact classification is far less important than the severe damage that can be done by whatever-you-want-to-call-them!)
Two of the six fighting teeth in
an adult male llama just before
removal (see arrows).
Intact male llamas' front upper fighting teeth erupt around the age of 28 months, usually can be blunted by 32 months, and proper cutting is generally possible around age 3 years (but keep checking every month!). A second cutting will be necessary around 4-6 years. The lower canines usually follow shortly after the first uppers. In some individuals, the lowers may become visible through the gum as early as 8 months. Fortunately, these precocious lower teeth wait until the usual 28-30 months to resume eruption, so early blunting is not necessary. Once the front upper fighting teeth begin to erupt, castration will not alter the timetable of eruption and need for cutting, nor will castration affect final tooth size.
Females and geldings (unless castrated late) generally erupt smaller fighting teeth around the age of 3-1/2 to 4 years. Some females' fighting teeth never erupt. Most females and geldings are less inclined to fight, and so it may be possible to wait until the teeth are all fully erupted before removal. In addition, the teeth will only have to be cut once -- this is another good reason to practice timely castration.
Fighting teeth are sawed off with obstetrical wire with the llama in a restraint chute or under sedation (sedation is generally used only if another procedure requiring sedation is necessary or if no chute is available), and is a job for an experienced individual. Teeth of females, geldings, and immature males are cut flush with the gum; teeth of older males and late geldings should be cut at least 1/8" above the gum line to minimize exposure of the dentin. When properly performed, fighting tooth removal does not cut into the sensitive portion of the tooth and causes the llama no pain other than the pressure on the tooth during cutting and the indignation of having human fingers inside his or her mouth.
* * * Important * * *
Fighting teeth may not be as represented. They may have been cut when the animal was young and continued to grow, or they may have erupted since they were last checked -- always check them yourself!
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