poor circulation?/cold rear end weak hind legs

Question
Hello Kim,

I have a 10 year old female teacup poodle named Keita. We (Keita and I go everywhere together)were visiting my parents and they had an Irish Wolfhound (poor thing had cancer and was put down)and I left the garbage drawer open by accident and they got into it, they had a squabble and I heard Keita yelp I ran into the kitchen and found her lying on her side with her tongue sticking out, he tossed her like a rag doll. This happened in 2006 upon treatment provided by the vet she made a slow recovery in fact i think she is still recovering when she is walking she walks kinda sideways and her back end is sometimes cold. I realize she is getting older and is no longer able to jump great heights like she once was able to do, which leads me to my question, is there any kinds of exercises that can improve her circulation and jumping abilities?

Thank-you,
sincerely,
Trent D

Answer
Hello Trent,
Sorry to hear about the Wolf Hound and about Keita.
There are some things you can do to help her though.  
You might check with the local Chiropractors in your area to see if they work with animals also, or if they can recommend someone that works with pets.  Sometimes nerves can become pinched and with work can be eventually worked out.  
You might also try someone who practices Accupuncture/Accupressure that might work on your dog.  I have heard of accupuncturists "healing" dogs that have been paralized in parts of their bodies and making them as good as new.  You will want to call people that specialize in these fields in your area and see if they will work on dogs or pets.  Some will, others won't.

In the meantime, you can do the "Doggie Exam" with your dog to help loosen the tight spots.  
Start with your dog on her back in your lap.  Her head should be towards your stomach.  
Rub her tummy gently until she feels comfortable in this position.  Once she will lay quiet for you, start working on the joints in her legs.  Go down the leg and GENTLY work each joint and muscle in her rear legs.  Don't over-stress the muscles (don't bend them past their tension level) and don't bend them till your dog whines.  Just bend them back and forth a little each day.  You can GRADUALLY bend it just a little bit more each time, to work the stiffness out, but be careful when you do.

This should help her some and I am hoping that she will get better in the future.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim