Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Pithed Frog Position in Baby Guinea Pigs
'Pithed frog' position in baby guinea pigs is due to deficiency of which vitamin?
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C — Correct Answer
Explanation:
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)
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
