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--> Veterinarian Dr. Jim Wilson of Sheridan, Wyo., carefully inserts needles into acupoints in the shoulder of a yearling horse named Murdock in Sheridan. Wilson is performing a traditional Chinese therapy of acupuncture. AP Old traditions in the New West By Janet Woelber Associated Press Writer SHERIDAN, Wyo.- Yearling horse Murdock winces as the doctor presses a spot on his back with the empty casing of a fine-tip marker. The flesh quivers under the pressure. "See that?" asks veterinarian Dr. John Wilson. "He's uncomfortable. He has told me something is going on and where to look in his body." Wilson inserts several very fine needles into areas along the horse's shoulder. Within minutes, Murdock is placid, visibly relaxed. "We've given the horse relief - a meltdown," said Wilson. Wilson performed a traditional Chinese therapy on Murdock called acupuncture, a method of relieving pain or treating disease by inserting thin needles into specific sites on the body along channels called meridians. The needles activate the body's natural pain-relieving system. "The primary thing is to relieve the suffering of the animal," Wilson said. "Chinese medicine does a whole lot of things Western medicine can't touch. It has given me a new list of tools and techniques. I am seeing things, doing things, getting results with animals that I can't even explain." Murdock, owned by Kristen Moore, required surgery for a joint injury, and is now treated with acupuncture to speed healing, relieve pain and facilitate movement. Wilson trained with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and has been treating small and large animals with acupuncture for more than five years. "I try to blend Western tradition with Chinese because they complement each other," said Wilson. Wilson has worked on cattle, but acupuncture patients are more commonly companion animals - horses or family pets. Wilson also practices chiropractic therapy on horses. After an adjustment on Murdock's neck, the horse lowers his head and licks his lips. His eyes appear drowsy and his demeanor calm. Cattleman Milan Schreibeis hadn't heard much about nontraditional veterinary treatment for animals. With a few exceptions, he said, "I do most of my vet work on my cows myself. I can't imagine hauling a cow in for acupuncture." But when it comes to his horses, Schreibeis said, "I'd consider it." Co-op manager Dennis Nelson took his cocker spaniel, Scooter, to Wilson more than four years ago. "Scooter's back legs wouldn't work at all," said Nelson. "He would drag himself along by his front legs. We thought the family pet would have to be put down. "We took him to John, and he suggested acupuncture. Three days later, Scooter was home and walking." Wilson said acupuncture is not a panacea but can be an effective treatment to relieve pain and improve mobility. "Needles won't help a broken leg or treat infection," Wilson said. "But I can help in a supportive role with acupuncture, because it can relieve pain and help with movement." Wilson believes Western medical diagnosis can be improved by using Chinese techniques. "One thing about acupuncture as a diagnostic technique is that it makes you aware of the animal," Wilson said. "The horse tells me more about what is going on in his body. The animal will show me, tell me where there is discomfort. You can communicate with an animal if you are willing to listen." Nelson said when Scooter starts to slow down he returns to Wilson for acupuncture treatment. "I don't have any idea why it works," said Nelson. "But the dog wouldn't be walking if it weren't for John." --- On the Net: International Veterinary Acupuncture Society: http://www.ivas.org/ Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing