Tongue Laceration Repair
Traumatic injury to the tongue and adjacent structures (lips, palate, gums) is a relatively common injury in our companion animals. This can occur due to bites, sharp external objects (e.g. sticks) and by blows to the head (e.g. hit by car) etc.
The face and oral cavity soft tissue structures has a tremendous repairing capacity. Minor lacerations of the lips and tongue can heal effectively within 2 weeks. Larger wounds should be considered for primary surgical closure to maintain tissue function and for cosmetic appearance. The free portion of the tongue is most frequently affected because this part has more exposure to the external environment.
What signs might I see in my pet?
Clinical signs include bleeding, hypersalivation, inappetence, reduced appetite, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, fever and tongue protrusion. Management of tongue lacerations is determined by severity, duration, and location of the injury. Partial removal of the tongue, primary closure with sutures or allowing the wound to heal are considerations.
How are tongue lacerations repaired?
Treatment options depends on the severity of injury. Surgical management is recommended in larger lacerations or when surgical repair is likely to speed up the healing process.
In order to correct lacerations, the veterinarian is likely to recommend general anesthesia. Removal of part of the tongue is reserved for cases in which the tip of tongue is devitalized and minimal attachment is left between the severed section and the remaining body. Suturing lacerations may be performed with absorbable suture and is generally recommended to speed up recovery. Some wounds may be left to heal by itself – particularly when economic constraints preclude surgical repair. This should be reserved for less extensive lacerations.
