Dog bit through his tongue

[Doggitydog]

Hi, my big silly standard poodle bit through the tip of his tongue and had a trip to the vet. They sedated him and nipped the flap off. He’s home but he’s still bleeding, they said he would despite them cauterising it. How much blood is too much though? What signs of deterioration should I be looking out for?
He’s still wobbly on his feet as the anaesthesia hasn’t worn off yet. They only gave him half dose of the stuff that brings them round. They didn’t send him with any painkillers, should I phone for some tomorrow? I’m so worried about the big goof 🥺

I think you should 'phone them if you are worried or for any advice of this nature. In my experience with one of my dogs, they take ages to get back to normal after an anaesthetic. Mine had an exploratory (abdominal) op and was quite wobbly and sleepy for hours and not back to strength until next day. Apart from that, she was quite shocked by the whole thing and was very quiet, withdrawn and still for a couple of days (but she was quite old then). She did return to life after that (I was v worried!).

Tongues are difficult. My parrot was in a foster home before I got him and he bit the tongue of another parrot that flew up to his cage and put its tongue through the bars. Apparently, there was a great deal of blood all over the room and the parrot's tongue swelled up so much he had to be hand fed liquids until it went back to normal.

Mine was also in quite a lot of pain post-op. I think they did give me some painkillers for her (long time ago) but if you think yours is in pain (which should be obvious to you), ask them for painkillers.

A little blood can go a ridiculously long way (moreso if it's mixed with saliva). Mine had a bit of bleeding from an ear once, I know it wasn't really much volume but after vigorously shaking his head, the room looked like a scene from Game of Thrones.

I wonder if they don't want to give him pain meds because if the tongue is swollen he may be likely to bite it again so he needs full feeling? Pain is nature's defence mechanism against injury.

My kitchen looked like a massacre had happened this morning. He must have shook his head all over before he went to sleep.
He’s much better this morning and wolfed down a bowl of rice and scrambled egg. He’s still quiet and dribbling a lot but he has stopped bleeding.

Glad to hear he's feeling a bit better.