I'm really sorry I hope she feels better soon, and can get the surgery done (if needed) with no complications.

If it eases your mind at all, I know LOTS of dogs, from Chi's to Labs, who have had hip or elbow surgeries. A staffordshire terrier on our team had double hip surgeries, and a couple weeks later she's fully recovered and swimming every day and happy!

I agree with you about crappy breeders... it's so sad, and so preventable. The thing is, they don't care whether the pups they produce develop painful conditions later in life.