Hyperostotic polyarthropathy in a rabbit--a suspected case of chronic hypervitaminosis A from a diet of carrots

Aust Vet J. 2001 Sep;79(9):608-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2001.tb10777.x.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis / diagnostic imaging
  • Arthritis / etiology
  • Arthritis / veterinary*
  • Carotenoids / blood
  • Chronic Disease
  • Daucus carota / adverse effects*
  • Daucus carota / chemistry
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diet / adverse effects
  • Hyperostosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Hyperostosis / etiology
  • Hyperostosis / veterinary*
  • Hypervitaminosis A / diagnosis
  • Hypervitaminosis A / etiology
  • Hypervitaminosis A / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Rabbits*
  • Radiography
  • Vitamin A / blood

Substances

  • Vitamin A
  • Carotenoids