Scrapbooker, a comprehensive and informative account. I think you covered all the angles well. A real dilemma this one. Not at all sure what I would have done in the same circumstances, but personally I don't think, given what you have said above, you should be criticised for the decisions you, the farmer or the Vet took. Seems a pity the old cow died anyway.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill