hrm, 45 degree angle? only the front hit wheel hit? Jack the car up somehow, turn the wheel with your hand, and feel for "notchiness." Next, get the front raised and turn the wheels left and right to be sure the steering rack isn't messed up. The wheels should go from left to right very smoothly even with the car shut off. That's the most you can do for now. Untill an alignment, then driving, and then another alignment to check everything stays the same, you wone be able to tell if things are bent under there.

 

Jacked her up and the wheels spin true and they turn from left to write w/o a problem. It seems likes everything's ok I guess. The alignment checks out as Ok, so I guess I'll watch more carefully for 4-legged critters from now on.

 

The wheel might spin true, but be out of balance. If you don't feel a wobble (like the wheel is hopping) at speed, you are fine.

 

Driving at speed the wheel reacts fine (no wobble, noise, pulling) so I think it's in balance.

Thanks to everyone who responded to this post.