My Manolo has MVD and was diagnosed about 2 years ago. Yes they can live a very normal life, you must watch the diet. Please Join the Yahoo Group for Liver Shunts and MVD. They helped me so much. Manolo is on a Vegetarian diet. He eats Natures Recipe, Farm Stand Vegetarian. Plus I give him one fish oil cap a day. Fish is a good source of protein. Manolo can never have Beef or Chicken or Pork. This will make him seisure or act slow. Even Heartguard because its beef based. I give him apples and carrots. As a matter of fact, Manolo is having his Dental today and his vet just called and said he did great. You must have a vet that know his stuff. They did a Full CBC prior to surgery. He uses Sevoflurane gas and had no problems. However, he is still there only because my vet wants to monitor the pain meds going thru his system. Its going to be OK. MVD is not a death sentence but a lifestyle change. You will learn so much joining the Yahoo support group. Good Luck to you guys and keep ur chin up, its going to be fine. And remember, it's mainly about the diet. I give NO treats except sweet potato chews. Lissette |