Symptoms

• Symptoms normally include muscle spasms, excessive drooling, unresponsive pupils (blank stare) and loss of bodily functions, which result in spontaneous urination and/or defecation. The whole body may stiffen and jerk, and loss of consciousness may occur.
  
  

Cause

• Seizures may be caused by several different factors, such as a brain tumor, infection, toxic substances and low blood sugar. In some cases, the cause remains unknown. Seizure disorders may be inherited. German shepherds who suffer from seizure disorders should not be bred, since the condition may be passed on to offspring.
  
  

Cluster Seizures

• German shepherds are prone to cluster seizures, which means that they may suffer repeated seizures in a short period of time. This is dangerous and may even be life-threatening. If 3 or more seizures occur within a 24-hour period, the veterinarian should be called immediately.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of seizure disorder may include a host of tests, such as blood, urinalysis, toxin screening, x-rays and electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment of seizure disorders can depend upon the underlying cause. Seizures can be controlled with medications such as Dilantin, phenobarbital and valium. Treatment should begin as early as possible in German shepherds, since control of seizure disorder in this particular dog breed is often difficult. German shepherds do not always respond to phenobarbital, which is the most commonly prescribed medication. Although there is no cure for canine epilepsy, it is normally controlled through medication. Once the dog has been prescribed anti-seizure medication, it is important that he receives the recommended dosage.
  
  

Warning

• If your German shepherd has a seizure, do not put your hands in or near his mouth. You could easily be injured if the dog's jaws involuntarily snap shut during the seizure. Do not try to move the dog, as you could cause injury to yourself or the dog. Move nearby objects such as stands, table, lamps or anything else that your dog could injure himself on during the course of the seizure.