If my memory serves, Genie was on Tramadol 50mg every 12 hours for a week, plus Metacam.  She was lucky not to have any of the side effects many tripawds here have experienced.   It's been a few days already since Marley had her surgery, so personally, I think the vet's suggestion was reasonable, i.e. cold turkey.  But you are the best person to tell of Marley is in pain.  The vet initially prescribed 50mg 3 times a day?  If you are worried that Marley would have discomfort or pain by discontinuing Tramadol cold turkey, perhaps cut down the frequency to 1 per day?  or whatever fits Marley.

We had so many problems with Paris and the meds after surgery. In fact I found Tripawds while desperately searching for help on line. We made the decision after nights of no sleep and her crying out(which I thought was pain) to cold turkey take her off everything and within 48 hours she was herself again.

Good luck with getting Marley off the meds and having her back to normal. Take care.

Gineej & Paris

Cherry's dad here,

We had very bad reactions to the Tramadol also. Things got much better once I removed it from Cherry's routine. However, this was not the only drug which gave Cherry problems. Her first chemotherapy treatment was literally hours after the amputation, and after exch of the four treatments, we gave both an appetite stimulant and anti-nauseous drug. While I will not say that they did not help, I will tell you that Cherry improved quickly just after taking her off all the drugs. Drugs appear to really take it out of the girl include even the slightest of sedatives used to help get good x-rays. Maybe that is good...more effective chemotherapy?

Good luck and trust that you know your Marley best.

I'm glad you asked this question, because I was wondering too. I still had two Fentanyl patches left (they last three days each) and the vet said it was fine to put one on him. But he is so sleepy, I am wondering if I should just switch to Tramadol - I have that too and he has tolerated everything fine. 

It does seem that every dog, and every vet recommendation, is somewhat different. It's hard to tell with the strong silent types...after reading the responses here I think I'll switch to Tramadol for a little while and consider weaning him off. I'll see what the vet thinks.

Glad Marley (and everyone else) is doing well!

sferris, how long was Delilah on the Fentanyl patch? Cooper's is due to be changed this afternoon. He's been very sleepy and sedated; how much of this is necessary healing and how much due to the patch, I don't know. I'm going to call the vet later but not sure whether to continue with the patch or switch him to Tramadol only.

Surgeon said to remove the Fentanyl patch and switch to Tramadol "if he seemed uncomfortable." I can't flippin' tell if he's hurting or not, he won't say. I just removed the patch and will see how he seems later tonight.