Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the pancreas in dogs. The pancreas is an important organ found in the abdominal cavity that produces enzymes used to digest food. In dogs, pancreatitis is caused by the early activation of pancreatic enzymes, which begin to digest the pancreas itself. The condition can be mild or severe, with mild forms involving swelling and severe forms including bleeding and swelling. Risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs include eating a high-fat meal or getting into the garbage. Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. During an attack, dogs may take a "praying position," with their rear end up in the air and their front legs and head lowered onto the floor. Pancreatitis can be diagnosed through blood tests or an ultrasound. Treatment for pancreatitis in dogs involves hospitalization, fluid therapy, pain management, and a low-fat diet. Most dogs recover without any long-term consequences, but severe or repeated episodes of pancreatitis can lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), diabetes mellitus, or painful adhesions between organs.