Mike, a few minutes after I posted above, some of my husband's friends came over. Two are cattle raisers from way back. I asked about your particular issue. They said that once you make your purchase and leave the auction, the cows are totally your responsibility. The auction barn is NOT responsible. I also described the symptoms of your cows and they said that sounds like Shipping Fever. Willie, my husband, reminded me of a few cases we have had. It is very contagious. The two cow-men said that the big cattle buyers who receive new shipment of calves, yearlings or cows immediately vaccinate for Black Leg, Shipping Fever...and something else I can't remember. Shipping fever is a quick illness which will, indeed, turn into pneumonia even quicker. They said usually if an animal is not treated, they will die within 24 hrs. They said they don't know exactly what it is that starts the Fever...it just happens. They said that you should IMMEDIATELY give antibiotics to ALL your livestock...horses, cows, etc.
As for rude auction people, I will clean up what they said about that: Tell them where to stick their whole auction barn and twist! Although, they said the Barn owner has no legal responsibility to give you the sellers name, it actually should be on your receipt.
My own opinion is that I'm sure reg's and laws vary from state to state. But, I thought I'd let ya know what more knowledgeable people than myself said. I do hope that you get this illness taken care of. Cattle prices are up here in E. Texas and that's too much money to be wasted like that!