Nala

Nala is a cute, funny bear coat Shar-Pei girl who came to Shar-Pei Rescue of Virginia in March 2021.

Nala was born with Lateral Patellar Luxation in both hind knees and had a torn CCL in her left hind leg. She was walking on three legs when she came to Rescue.  Because she had not used or fully extended her left leg in so long, she had muscle contracture in that leg and the prognosis was not good for the left leg.  We tried laser therapy and surgery, but the left leg would not stay extended.  Nala then had Patellar Groove Replacement surgery on her right knee, which had Grade 4 lateral Patellar luxation due to a shallow trochlear groove (birth defect).  A prosthetic groove was implanted. She had an extensive recovery period but recovered well, and the prognosis for her right leg was good. It does not have the same muscular issues as the left leg.

After surgery, Nala went to physical therapy at Upstate Veterinary Specialties where she spent many weeks working in the water treadmill to strengthen her right leg.  They also recommended a wheelchair/cart for Nala to use at home to strengthen her leg, and we worked with K9 Carts to design a custom cart for Nala.   With her left leg in a constant flexed state, we couldn’t get the leg into a standard cart.  Nala has a custom harness, which attaches to her cart, that works great with her unusual leg issues.

We had hoped that Nala would get to the point where she could be a normal three-legged dog, but it is too much for her to walk long distances on her right leg.   She can get around the house and yard on three legs; but for her big walks, she likes her cart.  It gives her support and lets her run, go on trails, and climb hills.  She can go far and fast in her cart and just do doggie things!

Nala is very hap-pei in her “furever” home!   Check out Nala’s Instagram page for more photos and videos!