Pithed Frog Position in Baby Guinea Pigs

Correct Answer: Vitamin C

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) deficiency causes the 'Pithed frog' condition in baby guinea pigs — the animal lies prostrate, unable to move, resembling a pithed (killed) frog.

Why Guinea Pigs Are Affected

Guinea pigs (like humans) cannot synthesise Vitamin C because they lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase. Same deficiency exists in humans (causing scurvy), monkeys, and poultry.

Vitamin C Deficiency Diseases

• Humans: Scurvy — bleeding gums, petechiae, impaired wound healing
• Baby guinea pigs: Pithed frog position

Vitamin C Facts

• Other name: Anti-stress vitamin
• Precursor: Hexose sugar (glucose)
• Synthesised from glucose in most animals via L-gulonolactone oxidase
• Important for collagen synthesis (hence wound healing and bone formation)