Myndi has arthritis in her spine and legs, and takes Tramadol (Ultram and several other names too) for the pain, and has for several years. It is listed as a "narcotic-like" drug - whatever that means - and is available only by prescription. She has done fairly well on it, tho I know the arthritis is getting the best of her, since she is having more difficulty getting up and getting going lately, than she used to. There are quite a few other meds that are effective with pain/arthritis issues, but she can't take any of them because of her sensitive tummy. She had a bleeding ulcer and nearly died a few years ago just from being on baby aspirin for a very short period of time.

If Sandie (Freedom) sees this thread, I'm sure she will have a lot of additional info for you, since she has dealt with this issue and is a walking medical journal for dogs and cats. I've learned a lot from her!

BTW - Myndi also takes glucosamine/chrondroitin for her joints, but I don't know how much good that is doing anymore - she's 17 years old. It can't hurt to leave her on it, and I would be hesitant to take her off of it now anyway.