Diseased canine pancreas. Illustration of the diseased pancreas of a dog, with part of it shown in sectioned view to show the condition of the lobes. In dogs, the pancreas runs alongside the stomach (upper right) and along the duodenum (left) the first part of the small intestine. The function of the pancreas is to produce digestive enzymes and hormones. One of the diseases affecting the pancreas in dogs is canine pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This can be caused by drugs, a diet rich in fat, or a traumatic injury.