Is it normal for a vet to prescribe Tramadol for a respiratory infection?

I took my dog to the vet on Monday (2-11-13) for a small cough, he/vet said it was a small respiratory infection and prescribed her Tramadol for her cough. To me that didn't sound right because I have been to school for veterinary technology and knew tramadol was a pain reliever, but I decided I wouldn't question him and started the meds. Here I am 3 days later and she is still coughing and has gotten very depressed, so I stopped the meds this morning.I plan on calling in the morn but thought I would ask on here if anyone else has ever been prescribed tramadol for a cough? Either dog or human.I am a little hesitant to take her back to the vet, because I got her on new years day Jan 1, 2013 not in very good health. She's been to the vet 3 times since I have had her and have already spent close to $500 just in vet bills.

Tramadol does have cough suppressing properties, and can be prescribed for a cough. If it didn't help, talk to the vet. They may prescribe an alternative, or may just advise to wait the cough out if its not too bad and doesn't worsen.

That is odd. I would think he would have prescribed an antibiotic or cough suppressant, not a pain med. I would call and ask the reasoning behind it. Perhaps it was an error.

I'm wondering if the poor little thing came from one of those unscrupulous puppy farms and if that is the case I'm afraid it's going to cost you a lot more before she's right. In answer to your question no, I have never heard of Tramadol given for a chest infection in a human let alone a dog! As you say Tramadol is a human painkiller - if anything I would have thought steroids would be more likely for a chest infection!I hope you get her sorted out soon and I'm so glad she has a caring owner! Good luck!