Hyperostotic polyarthropathy in a rabbit--a suspected case of chronic hypervitaminosis A from a diet of carrots.
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.
Frater
J
J
Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria.
D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018552:Daucus carota / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D015576:Hyperostosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006986:Hypervitaminosis A / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D011859:Radiography; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood
D014801:Vitamin A; D002338:Carotenoids