Tramadol is quite effective for pain. I can't speak to the other issues about Tramadol that others have mentioned. I would try using any new pain med in a very low dose initially to monitor for side effects. Bear took Tramadol successfully for a long time, but eventually developed a side effect of agitation and restlessness, and it had to be stopped.
Buprinex, as I understand it, is a US brand name for the drug Buprenorphine. Buprenorphine for vet use is somewhat recent in Canada, and many vets are unsure about it. Pure, sterile Buprenorphine can be administered sub Q, IM, or trans mucosally (i.e. absorbed through the skin of the cheek, not swallowed orally). It is dosed by weight, and a larger dose gives longer duration. It is sedating, and I find that I use much less than a full dose on my kitties to be effective without being overly sedating. I had to struggle with my vet to order pure Bupe for sub Q injection, but she came through eventually. In their practice they normally supply a compounded flavored (no idea why as the drug is flavorless) trans mucosal version, and they will send other clients home with a few pre-filled syringes of that. The flavoring contains glucose, I believe. The Bupe that I get from my vet is very expensive, FYI. It is ordered from Summit Compounding Pharmacy in Toronto.
Adequan is given for arthritis pain. It is not a pain reliever. Though directions say to give it IM, it is perfectly acceptable to give it sub Q. I give it to Emily, and I believe it is helpful. It, too, is very expensive in Canada.
Another med is Gabapentin, which has a subtle pain relief effect for arthritis. In high doses it may help with seizures. I have only been able to access that in a compounded flavored format from my vet.
