Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Two Neutered Male Maine Coon Cats: A Case Report

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), also referred to as spontaneous femoral capital physeal fracture, is an uncommon orthopedic disorder in cats characterized by separation of the femoral capital epiphysis through the proximal femoral physis in the absence of significant trauma. Maine Coon cats, particularly males, appear to be predisposed to this condition. This report describes two neutered male Maine Coon cats, aged 21 and 16 months, presenting with pelvic limb lameness without a known history of significant trauma. The first cat exhibited grade 2 pelvic limb lameness, bilateral pelvic limb muscle atrophy, and pain and crepitus during manipulation of both coxofemoral joints. Radiographic examination revealed bilateral SCFE associated with secondary degenerative changes. The second cat presented with grade 1 pelvic limb lameness, joint laxity, and pain without palpable crepitus. Radiographic examination raised suspicion of right femoral capital physeal separation, which was subsequently confirmed by computed tomography. Both cats underwent femoral head and neck excision (FHNE), with bilateral FHNE performed during a single anesthetic episode in the first cat. Postoperative clinical examinations and owner reports indicated improvement in pelvic limb function and resolution of clinically apparent lameness in both cats. Radiographic examinations performed six months postoperatively documented the surgical changes, with persistent reduction in pelvic limb soft-tissue volume consistent with muscle atrophy. These cases highlight the variable clinical and imaging presentations of SCFE in Maine Coon cats and the complementary roles of radiography and computed tomography in diagnosis. Although clinical improvement was observed following FHNE, the absence of standardized functional assessments limits definitive conclusions regarding the extent of postoperative recovery.