He sometimes goes months without one at all. I love my dog and I want to do what I can to keep him. Epilepsy can be caused by metabolic diseases, such as liver problems, or from damaged brain cells. A blood panel can be very valuable in determining if the organs other than the dog's brain are normal. Most recurrent seizure conditions in German Shepherds are identified as idiopathic epilepsy.
Phenobarbital is a safe and effective medication for reducing the frequency of seizures.
Since this medication's primary side effect is sedation, one must balance the dose to obtain the maximum seizure reduction, without over sedating the patient. After the initial blood panel, subsequent blood Phenobarbital levels may be necessary to fine tune the dosage to suit your dog. Although advanced tests, such as MRI and CAT scans are available, they are usually expensive and often non diagnostic in canine epilepsy. Epilepsy is highly variable in frequency, duration and severity of seizures. Your dog may seizure four times a day for several months, then never seizure again.