The word pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. This painful condition can occur in dogs and cats and can either be sudden onset (acute) or a low-grade gradual condition (chronic). The pancreas is a very important gland located in the abdomen. It has two main functions: one function is hormone production (e.g., insulin) and the other is to produce and release enzymes for digestion via a connection with the duodenum, the segment of intestine closest to the stomach.