Our Murphy is also a rear leg Tripawd.  He was hit by a car two years ago and had to have his leg amputated.  He also had a dislocated hip from the accident which didn't want to stay in place.  After the fourth dislocation, we opted for a total hip replacement on his remaining leg.  He has taken quite some time to get comfortable with going upstairs, particularly the inside staircase in our house.  He would do outside, wide staircases with about a half dozen steps, but wouldn't willingly go upstairs in the house.  We have a Ruffwear harness for him, and when it was necessary (not often), we would help him up using that.

All of a sudden, not very long ago, he decided that it was time that he went up the stairs.  I had a unique way of helping him (bouncing upstairs one at a time on my backside), and he took his time with each step.  As of today, we decided that we have created a monster.  Neither one of us can go upstairs without our shadow right next to us.  We actually have to catch up to him to make sure that he doesn't take the top two stairs in one leap.

If at all possible, I would definitely recommend that you take it as easy as possible with the stairs.  When Casey is ready, she will do it.  If you have access to a canine physical therapist, I highly recommend that, too.  Most dogs stay pretty much at rest, just going outside to potty, until their stitches come out and the cone is gone.  If you can keep her from following you downstairs, she will probably be better off for the time being.

Kathi and Murphy

Hi Tom and Casey,

Our GSD tripawd Serge is now almost 12 months old, and missing his left rear leg (amputated at 4 months)

Initially, (due to his size) both going down and climbing up steps required a great deal of encouragement and support. The belly strap was a bust from the word go...We used the RuffMaster body harness for initial support, up and down steps, and in and out of the car. (you can get the harness here, by the way..check out The Store..on this website)  He has sprouted so much,that he is now taller than our 5 yr old GSD Raven. We live in a bungalow, so he only has the front steps and the steps off the deck to negotiate. He now hops down the steps with no problems, but if he is really tired after running around outside in the fields with Raven, he will still sit at the bottom step, and wait for a "leg up". Basically I lift his rear end (just put my arms around his waist) and he gets up with no problem. If he is not tired, he just hops right up. I suspect though, going up or down a real flight of stairs, would necessitate supporting him with his body harness, or he would take a major tumble...

BTW, the 'cone of shame ' is a major hindrance, both in terms of vision, and confidence., Junk it if you can, and get hold of an inflatable collar (sort of like a circular life-jacket that you see hanging from the side of a ship). Their  vision is not impaired, and  Casey will be a lot more confident moving around. Serges' confidence improved enormously when we got rid of that "plastic nightmare" around his neck. The inflatable also prevents them from getting at the wound, and it provides a nice pillow when they take a nap. Eating is a lot easier, because it doesn't impair their mobility to the extent that you have to remove it. (Try that with the "satellite dish around their neck)

You are at the right place for help and support ... I can certainly vouch for that !!!

Good luck

Richard