Fractured capital femoral epiphysis in twin ewes

Capital femoral physeal fractures occurred simultaneously in twin 2-year-old Shropshire ewes. The fractures resulted in gradual, progressive lameness and recumbency. There was no history of trauma and no other ewes in the flock were affected. The fractures occurred at an age when the capital physis should have been closed. Clinical and postmortem examination of the ewes and evaluation of the ration did not reveal predisposing factors for the condition. A familial tendency for fractured capital femoral epiphysis is well documented in human beings, but there is no known familial tendency in sheep.