Hyperostotic polyarthropathy in a rabbit - a suspected case of chronic hypervitaminosis A from a diet of carrots |
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Authors: | JL FRATER |
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Institution: | Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria. |
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Abstract: | Chronic hypervitaminosis A can occur in many species after excessive dietary intake of Vitamin A (retinol). The most common presentation of chronic hypervitaminosis A is a polyarthropathy with hyperostosis and ankylosis of various joints. This case report describes a probable case of naturally occurring hypervitaminosis A-induced polyarthropathy in a rabbit after chronic ingestion of a diet made up almost exclusively of carrots. Carrots do not contain retinol, but are rich in provitamin A (or beta-carotene). Rabbits are unique in that they can convert 100% of dietary beta-carotene into retinol. A syndrome of naturally occurring hypervitaminosis A-induced polyarthropathy has not been described in a rabbit before. |
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Keywords: | Hypervitaminosis A retinol polyarthropathy rabbit carrot osteoarthritis |
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