[cinnamonmon]

I am so concerned about Cinnamon. She is almost 5 and seems to have no energy left. She has been this way for awhile but since she is one of 3...sometimes its hard to keep up with them.She is the youngest of the 3 but has the least energy. She doesnt ever play anymore. Even a short walk seems to leave her tired. She seems older most days than my 11 yr old Maltese.
Healthwise she is overweight...about 9 lbs. She does have what i believe are environmental allergies and is on medication sporadically through the year when things flare up. She also has luxating patellas and has had a couple incidents of pancreatitis. I did have major bloodwork done a few years ago because of her allergies which didnt find anything wrong ($250) She also pants alot in the summer but I just thought it was her being overweight a little.
I have tried so hard to be a good dog mom to her. I have gone between home feeding and high quality dog food...neither seems to make a difference. I have tried vitamins, but struggled to get them in her. I get regular vet care but cant afford to get expensive tests done as my husband has been unemployed for a year and we are trying to survive on my salary alone.

This dog is my heart and is especially precious to me as I just sent my last child off to college. I want to do what is best for her but cant imagine going to the vet with this vague complaint. I can imagine him ordering a bunch of expensive tests which will probably tell me nothing. I dont know what to do.

So, at 5, should my dog still be playful and full of energy? Am i looking for trouble here? What kind of things could this possibly be so if I do go to the vet at least I have some direction? I am a nurse and have tried to think of al the things it could be in a human (none of them good) but dont know if this would be true for a dog. Any advice would be appreciated. I want this dog in my life for alot longer but she doesnt seem to be that happy right now.