They only recently classified it as a class 2. I give it to my dogs ( on the advise of my vet) as long as it’s just tramadol and not ultram with acetaminophen in it. This is not uncommon.
Ultram is the original brand name for the drug that is known generically as Tramadol. The version with acetaminophen is called Ultracet.
I have taken Trmadol for years, but I take it very sparingly. I have back problems, and had two pairs of vertebrae fused about 5 years ago. I take Celecoxib daily and only take Tramadol if my pain is really severe, and usually only half of a 50mg tablet. My pain is seldom severe and a bottle usually lasts me several years. It does help me if I have severe pain. I have never had to give it to any of my dogs, but I have heard of its use for dogs for years now.
The Iditarod is obviously very strict concerning what can be given to the dogs if Tramadol is on the banned list. The pharmacists I know were surprised when it was classified as a C-4 medication. My guess is that The Iditarod doesn’t want the mushers giving their dogs anything strong enough to mask the pain on an injured dog because I don’t think it has any performance enhancing qualities. In fact, with me it is more likely to cause drowsiness, but then again, just about every medication I have ever taken makes me sleepy.