Good. Lord. Almighty. I am stunned, and so thankful you had the sense that you did to not have her PTS.

Is there ANY way you misunderstood what they were saying? I am blown away by this.

My first guess was an abscess. I would have her tested for Lyme's disease (though not sure she would still be with us if it were that, as I thought that was a bit more fast acting)...but, a full visit by a competent vet is in order.

Good luck!