Instructions
Isolate the infected horse from other horses. This is urgent.
Make sure your horse gets plenty of rest.
Seek out a vet's help. The vet may prescribe antibiotics to help with secondary infections that are taxing the immune system, which would otherwise be fighting the herpes virus.
Suggest to the vet the possibility of medication to clear up any mucus accumulation clogging the airways of your horse.
Seek out the vet's opinion on how to improve the horse's diet. A horse with shingles needs a proper, well-balanced diet to fight the virus.
Consider vaccinating your other horses, to prevent spreading of the shingles. Vaccines are short-lived, and need to be taken again after only 3 to 6 months.
Inform the vet if your infected mare is pregnant, and inquire about vaccines to prevent a miscarriage.
How to Treat Equine Shingles
Equine shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus. It manifests as lameness, and can make the whole body sensitive to the touch. Other symptoms include fever, nasal discharge and miscarriage in mares. As in humans, there is no surefire cure for the disease. The main strategy is to improve the horse's health, so that its immune system is strong enough to put the virus into remission.