Pancreatitis is a common disease in dogs and continues to be both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Currently there is no single, definitive, non-invasive diagnostic test available for pancreatitis and treatment consists of supportive therapy. Most cases of pancreatitis are mild, self-limiting, and often go undiagnosed. In the severest form, the pro-inflammatory mediators released from the pancreas can cause a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) eventually that can be fatal. The combination of all data (history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic tests) with the addition of supportive therapy and close monitoring is imperative for the successful treatment of pancreatitis and attenuation of associated short and long-term complications.