Quick synopsis of NSAIDs:

Previcox(firocoxib), Rimadyl(carprofen) & to a lesser degree, Metacam, (Mobic,meloxicam) are selective NSAIDs. (Meloxicam is not classified in the U.S. as a Cox 2 inhibitor, but rather as Cox 2 selective NSAID) They work by inhibiting prostaglandin production by Cox enzymes. There are two types of these enzymes Cox 1, which protects the GI tract & has a role in approriate coagulation and Cox 2, responsible for inflammation & pain. Selective NSAIDS inhibit the Cox 2 enzyme. NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen & aspirin do not make this distinction, which is why they are responsible more adverse GI side effects

Firocoxib is similar in chemical make up to rofecoxib (Vioxx), which was voluntarily withdrawn from the market after incidental adverse cardiovascular effects were identified  during the first (VIGOR) of many unrelated studies.Bextra (valdecoxib) was involuntarily removed from the market by the FDA due to CV concerns and a severe adverse skin reaction. There has never been a clear distinction between Celebrex(celecoxib) a weaker Cox 2 inhibitor, Vioxx(rofecoxib) and several other early Cox 2 inhibitors and their role in cardivascular risk, but it's a study that will never be pursued. The assumption is, they all carry a risk for myocardial infarction and thrombotic events(stroke,pulmonary embolism, other blood clots). Consequently they all have FDA mandated Black Box Warnings. Meloxicam carries an expanded Black Box Warning against it's use for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass surgery after unpublished data was reviewed by the FDA. The use of Cox 2 inhibitors in humans is usually reserved for patients with severe osteoarthritis and intractable pain who's options are limited and quality of life severely compromised. They are rarely used perioperatively because of the CV risks. Practitioners are not going to accept the liability for their widespread, random use.

Carprofen was never used in the US, but was available in Europe for human use, until more effective drugs became available.

Most surgeons, with the exception of gynecologists, are not in favor of traditional NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or toradol perioperatively because they temporarily inhibit platelet function. Aspirin inhibits platelet function for 4-7 days & is therefore not used perioperatively. Some orthopedic surgeons do not like NSAIDs for fractures because there have been some studies indicating it inhibits bone healing, although that seems to be a regional preference. There is a general, but not BB caution regarding CV adverse effects for all NSAIDs

Drugs come to the veterinary market often when they are no longer profitable in human medicine. That may or may not be the case w/NSAIDs, but dogs don't have the same intrinsic cardiovascular risks as humans. I think NSAIDs have been used widely enough & long enough in dogs, that severe CV effects would be known. The data resulting in these BB warnings didn't come from any direct studies & ultimately it is a liability issue in human medicine. The other potential adverse reactions in our dogs have to be weighed against improved functionality & quality of life.

I would prefer my dog not be on a selective NSAID, but the reality is, she has arthritis & needs it. At her age, to me, it's worth the risk. My integrative vet prefers meloxicam & after doing some research, I decided it was the safest, most effective option for Isabelle. She has been on it for 14 mos. I dose her at about 2/3 the recommended dose.

There is also research being done & some published about the angiogenic benefit of NSAIDs on tumors with & without chemotherapeutic agents. Whether it proves helpful or not, it's not likely harmful. 

For what it's worth, I would definitely talk to your vet about whether Cooper could benefit from NSAIDs & if they are safe for him. If his mobility can be increased & his quality of life enhanced, it's worth asking the question. 

Tramadol is a synthetic pain reliever, with both opiod & non opiod action, but without anti inflammatory properties. It isn't the most effective drug in human medicine for acute pain. It's used more often for chronic pain and then not very effectively. One thing to note for dogs w/MCT. Tramadol does not cause the histamine release narcotics do. As a precaution, I took Isabelle off any narcotics after her surgery for her MCT( but didn't use Tramadol) I also removed her fentanyl patch very early after her amputation. I did, as a precaution, stop her meloxicam 2 days before both surgeries & resumed it on post op day 2…based on nothing other than my being overly cautious.

I don't think most veterinary surgeons (or general vets, regarding nonsurgical pain) give owners much guidance regarding tapering pain meds & post op expectations. I'm not really sure they all know themselves, but dog's responses can't be that different from the humans most of the drugs were formulated for in the first place. The difference is, humans can verbalize, so it's easy for us to determine what works well and what doesn't.

Postoperative antibiotics are not routine. They are given pre, and/or intraoperatively, but only continued if there is a reason…a drain sometimes, hardware, intrabdominal surgery, a break in surgical technique, some other suspected source of infection. Routine prophylaxis is not recommended, as it only adds to the overwhelming prevalence of drug resistant organisms. If my dog were being discharged on them, I would want to know the reason.