Hello – this is Teri speaking for Buddy the Corgi Kid.  I am totally new to this "Posting and Forum" business so I hope I am doing this correctly.  Anyway, we are 5 1/2 weeks post surgery for rear leg amputation due to osteosarcoma.  Buddy is 6 years old.  He has recovered well, but has progressively been sending his good rear leg outward when walking slowly and kind of crouching/hopping to regain balance.  Walking on the inside of his good foot.  He went to his first hydrotherapy session today (he was Delighted to play fetch in the water!!).   Also, today I was loaned a book on massage.  I have started a small obstacle course after watching the video on this site which suggested that this would help him to "know where his feet are".  Buddy looked SO good when he was first out of surgery – I hate to see him go down hill…. but maybe this kind of "loose walking" setback is normal till he develops the muscles to compensate… I just don't know.  I am now hoping for any other suggestions, stretches, strength building exercises, whatever to start improving again!   Thank You

Often when Isabelle starts turning her rear leg in, out or tries to center it, a chiropractic adjustment corrects her gait almost immediately. Just be sure you have a reliable practitioner. It used to happen pretty frequently for the first couple of months. & still does, occasionally when she's very active or her L-S arthritis is painful.  You might check with your rehab vet to be sure he doesn't have some back pain/strain. In that case, massage/acupressure can be very beneficial, as is acupuncture. Is Buddy walking in a treadmill, or using a pool? Sometimes. if it's easier to pick up that leg (in a pool) & swim, the strength building benefit is lost.The treadmill also conditions them to walk at a slower pace with a reliable gait.  (it's easier for them to walk fast). Which becomes important, when they have to do so on ice, snow or other unstable surfaces.  I like the FitPad for at home therapy also.

Good luck,

Cynthia