this is the harness Maxxie used when things went bad for him. The back part of the harness can be separated & left on without the front part on if you don't need it. He has improved a lot so I don't need it now but it was great. He is on tramadol for pain & medicam for his arthritis. Try a few things. See what works. I hope you find something for him. By the way: both of these drugs I get at the compounding pharmacy & are WAY cheaper than at the Vet.