Good story, Had a similar buck I followed for 3 years that had broken a front leg somehow and healed up. A neighbor shot it so a better ending (possibly) than the lingering decline.
The picture says it all. They are resilient animals. As much as love to hunt them, I hate to see any animal suffer. Lost an old faithful dog recently. Not the same but at least we were able take her to the doctor. They definitely have the will to survive...