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

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.