Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, mucous membranes, vision, and immune function. Deficiency is common in poultry on unbalanced diets and in insectivorous reptiles fed gut-loaded prey low in vitamin A. Signs include eye discharge, swollen eyelids, poor growth, and increased susceptibility to infection. Reptiles often present with swollen eyes and squamous metaplasia of glands.
Quick facts
- Type:
- Nutritional
- Typical onset:
- Chronic
- Body systems:
- Ophthalmic, Integumentary, Metabolic
- Affected species:
- BEARDED_DRAGON, CHICKEN, DUCK, LEOPARD_GECKO
- Reference codes:
- ICD11 5B55.Z
Sources & references
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Reviews vitamin A deficiency in poultry causing ocular and epithelial lesions and reduced disease resistance.
- ICD-11
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.