My 7 month old GSD seems to be doing something I can't quite define. Spoke to vet about it over phone, but he's not sure w/o actually seeing it. Basically, my dog starts to shake a bit from about the waste down, for about 5 seconds, w/no other "symptoms". Doesn't drool, whine, or anything else related to seizures. He seems very well aware of his surroundings although I haven't asked anything of him during these episodes (i.e. Gunnar Come!) There have been 4 in total, all lasting and looking the same. Started at about 5 months old. 3 out of 4 episodes occurred while he was lying down and someone was petting him. The other happened as he was walking, he sort of went into an almost half sit position as he continued to walk. Walked to his crate and lied down like nothing happened. Anyone have any clues?

Petit mal or absence seizures as they are known by in the medical community have no "shaking" component (a traditional seizure by most people's account). By definition the "seizing" usually consists of an unusal stare off into space without responsiveness for short durations (basically just a minor abnormal electrical component in the brain). In addition, nearly all have no post ictal (confusion etc.) state afterwards. What you seem to be describing is some kind of partial seizure (sounds simple based on your description of no confusion)or other neuromuscular deficit (spinal cord). Your vet definately needs to examine the pup. Keep in mind that such things can be from simple issues as well complex ones so keep the faith! Things like electrolyte imbalances, thyroid issues, an other metabolic findings, at least in we humans can cause similar shaking "episodes". Just some thoughts!

My friends golden pup started with same type of symptoms your describing, he ended up being diagnosed with epilepsy but with meds he lived to a ripe old age. I would definetly suggest a visit to vet and some tests.
Goodluck, hopefully it's something minor!
Petra

Wow, it's taken me more time than I care to state to figure out how to use this forum. Thanks for the info regarding the seizures. I did call my vet and will get him checked early next week for any seizure disorder. In the meantime, since you were kind enough to give your thoughts, maybe you can give me your thoughts on another idea. Let's suppose it's not seizures. Being my second post ever, I'm hoping I don't come across as entirely clueless in raising this puppy. Here goes...could the shaking of his back legs be something, dare I say it, sexual? He was not "humping" anything in all 4 occassions. He was just lying there each time except for 1 time. That time he was walking. I described it all over the phone to a vet and a dog trainer. The trainer never heard of it, the vet knew a little something but we concentrated our conversation on seizures. From my untrained perspective, my dog stayed aware all four times but the last two times he actually had left clear droplets on the floor next to him but it wasn't urine. When I went to wipe it up w/a paper towel, it had a sticky consistency. It never touched my hands but I could feel the drag on the paper towel as I wiped it up. Have you or anyone you know ever seen or heard something like this?

Wow Judy! Odd huh.....I still think the vet is the best idea yet. It is far too difficult based on descriptions to get a full picture of what the activity your dog is doing means. I, personally have not heard of a pup (as young as yours) acting quite like yours is in regards to humping behavior with a bodily fluid on the ground-that being said all of my male dogs have been hunting dogs (brittanys, chessies, etc.) and nearly all have been kennel dogs so I may have missed something. My two GSDs-I'm a newbie to the German dog/SchH/club scene- have been females so I haven't needed to deal with that. Don't get it stuck in your head that a medically significant seizure must have a state of confusion accompany it-it doesn't. But also like I said in my first post the causes of seizure like episodes are many, and varied in nature. If it does turn out to be epilepsy, most forms are very controllable. If you haven't already done so I would contact your breeder to see if he/she has ever had any dogs with similar behavior or a seizure condition. I would also note anything/everything the dog has ingested or possibly ingested and if its in your capability and the pup does it again-video it for the vet. If not videotaped, take note of the duration of the activity, any focal point of the activity (rear legs, started at feet then worked up, etc.), any tongue biting or incontinence-you get the picture! Hope this helps more-feel free to shoot a personal message, I don't want Ed to get upset at too many messgaes or something like that!