An internal shunt is not a death sentance. It can be controlled by diet and I know several dogs that are doing very well on the proper diet. I strongly suggest you join this yahoo group
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/L...d_MVD_Support/
There are alot of very knowledgable people on that group and several of them are dealing with what you may be possibly dealing with (I pray not)
None of my dogs have LS and Im a member of that group, just to learn all I can about this disease and hopefully help others who are dealing with it. Its a very welcoming group.