Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Cause of Pithed Frog Position
"Pithed Frog" position is due to deficiency of:
- Vita. E
- Vita. A
- Vita. C — Correct Answer
- Vita. K
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Vitamin C
The "Pithed frog" position is the classic sign of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) deficiency in young guinea pigs (baby scurvy). The limbs splay outward resembling a pithed frog due to severe joint pain and haemorrhage.
Vitamin C Deficiency
| Condition | Sign | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Scurvy | Bleeding gums, poor wound healing | Humans, guinea pigs, primates |
| "Pithed frog" position | Limbs splayed; haemorrhagic joints | Baby guinea pigs |
Vitamin C — Key Facts
- Other name: L-Ascorbic acid
- Vitamin C is water-soluble
- Precursor: Hexose sugar (Table 19: Vitamin C ← Hexose sugar)
- Most animals synthesise Vitamin C; guinea pigs and humans cannot → dietary requirement
- Functions: Collagen synthesis, antioxidant, iron absorption, immune function
Position Signs in Vitamin Deficiencies
- Vitamin B1 → "Star gazer" position in birds
- Vitamin D → "Penguin-like squat" in hens
- Vitamin C → "Pithed frog" in baby guinea pigs
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Vitamin E → causes Crazy chick disease, Nutritional muscular dystrophy, Exudative diathesis; not Pithed frog
- Vitamin A → causes Nutritional roup in poultry; night blindness; not Pithed frog
- Vitamin K → anti-haemorrhagic factor; deficiency causes bleeding; not Pithed frog posture
📚 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.
