If my dog was in pain, I would not have left that clinic w/out medication to treat that pain - but that's me.
Also, if this were me - you can be sure I would never see this vet again. Dogs are individual creatures, and not medication protocols to be followed.
When humans are cut open, they experience pain and often the pain meds make it easier to deal with - it is not much different for dogs. Being in pain does not help healing - in fact there are studies out there to the contrary.
I'm really sorry it turned out for you this way - I feel bad for the dog most of all, since he is still in pain. And to me, this doesn't sound like minor pain.
