They're loyal, they don't talk back and for many of us there's a reason why dogs are called "mans best friend."

So, when Marianne Pair's 6-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer got sick she was frightened.

"He fell on the floor, all of his limbs were ridged, jerking, tongue hanging out panting and that went on for some seconds, it seemed like minutes," Pair said.

Pair didn't waste a second finding help.

"I thought this is way scarier than I ever want to see again," Pair said.

Her veterinarian told her about NC State's participation in a national clinical trial studying a new drug for dogs with seizures. Charley qualified for the study, and NC State Veterinary School's Dr. Karen Munana, took Charley into her care.

Munana said its estimated 5 percent of all dogs will have epileptic seizures that can take an emotional and financial toll on pet owners.

"Because we have such a large population of dogs that have epilepsy we're always looking at ways to control the disease better," Munana said. "Right now there's only one other drug that's approved by the FDA for use in dogs for epilepsy."

The problem, she said, is that there are possible side effects with the current FDA approved drug like liver problems. So instead, dogs are often given epilepsy drugs made for humans that have not been specifically tested in animals.

"So in that regard it [a new drug] would be a significant break through," Munana said.

During the trial the dogs go through a battery of tests including CT scans if they're eligible. The study is being paid for by a large, canine pharmaceutical company and is free for dogs who qualify, and, it's not over yet.

"We still are looking for dogs to participate," Munana said.

To qualify dogs must be at least 11 pounds, 4 months old and not currently on any medications to treat seizures.

Even though there's a long way to go before approving the new drug, the trial helped pinpoint Charley's condition. He's on medication and his seizures are under control, and that, is not taken for granted by the dog owners like Marianne Pair who have a lot to lose.

"Pretty much how most dog owners feel, they're a part of my family," Pair said.