Yes it would have been nice to have had her ears checked, but to me it sounds as though she was really stressed on the day she arrived. Since it was not a life threatening situation and considering her owner was going to have her euthanized, I think keeping her calm (and you volunteering to babysit) was a better approach. Now that she has had time to relax hopefully the Vet will be able to perform a physical and dental exam soon.
Sounds like her nails might be interfering with her natural stride in the grass as well. Good luck, I hope it goes well. If nothing else do a little at a time (trimming the length as well as the number of nails you trim); not my favorite way to do it, but it worked for me and my JRT.
