Electroacupuncture–the electrical stimulation of acupuncture points–can be an effective method of controlling laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring), reported researchers performing the technique on horses presented to the Veterinary Medical Center of the University of Florida.

The common scientific term for roaring is laryngeal hemiplegia. In this condition, muscles of the horse's larynx are unable to function correctly, primarily because of nerve dysfunction. When the horse breathes, the arytenoid cartilage on one or both sides of the throat obstruct the airway, causing a whistling or roaring sound as air is drawn through.

Traditional non-surgical treatments for roaring include topical dimethylsulfoxide and oral anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgical treatments include vocal fold resection, arytenoidectomy, and laryngoplasty, among others.

"Surgical procedures may be impractical for the treatment of laryngeal hemiplegia in horses if the problem occurs during the sale season. Therefore, horse owners often try to find alternative methods for the long-term prevention or treatment of laryngeal disease," the researchers wrote