thanks for the tips all. the RO suggested letting him walk. whatever he can tolerate, let him do. and told me to stop babying him because he will continue to lay in bed if i do.

i made him take the stairs today (one flight), he growled at me but did it! i told him later we were going to walk our yorkie around the block...i think he is actually looking forward to getting out of the house...we will see.