Roaring is caused by progressive partial paralysis of the left half of a horse's larynx and, while not life-threatening in most cases, greatly hinders a horse’s ability to breathe during exercise. | Photo: iStock

Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers have developed a new surgical technique for recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN, often referred to as roaring in horses) that is improving outcomes and helping affected equids breathe a little bit easier.

The technique, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, provides a stronger anchor point on the paralyzed cartilage within an afflicted horse’s larynx to hold it open, and performs better than current surgical practices.

“This is a truly impressive advancement to an existing technique in equine surgery,” said Kelly Diehl, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, senior scientific programs and communications adviser at Morris Animal Foundation. “A stronger anchor point improves surgical outcomes, gives afflicted horses a higher quality of life, and may even save the lives of horses struggling with this disease