My Angel Pavi had severe pancreatitis once. They weren't sure he would make it, but he did. He was around 7 when it happened, and he died last year at age 12 from a completely unrelated problem. He was fasted for several days (water, but no food), which is apparently the first line treatment. Then the vet switched him to a prescription food (very low fat) and he ate that exclusively. No people food, no greasy treats. He lost weight, and was healthy until about the last two months of his life. Dogs do beat this! 

