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Pathological Changes Associated with Vitamin C Deficiency in Walleyes
Author(s) -
Macconnell Elizabeth,
Barrows Frederic T.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of aquatic animal health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.507
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1548-8667
pISSN - 0899-7659
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8667(1993)005<0287:pcawvc>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - biology , vitamin , vitamin a deficiency , pathological , endocrinology , stizostedion , medicine , physiology , vitamin c , anatomy , retinol , fish <actinopterygii> , biochemistry , fishery
Walleyes Stizostedion vitreum were fed three experimental diets containing 0, 96, and 190 mg vitamin C/kg for 20 weeks. Retarded growth, increased mortality, and clinical signs of vitamin C deficiency were seen only in the group fed the vitamin‐C‐free diet. Skeletal deformities, primarily lordosis, were evident in 76% of this group. Pathological changes associated with vitamin C deficiency in walleyes included twisted cartilage of gill filaments and extreme dislocation of vertebrae. Vertebral lesions included focal hemorrhage, compressed spinal cord, and displacement of adjacent kidney and skeletal muscle. Breaking of the isthmus, a clinical sign not previously described for vitamin‐C‐deficient fish, was the cause of death in 27% of walleyes fed the vitaminC‐free diet. Hemorrhagic fins, skin, and eyes were seen occasionally. A diet that was not supplemented with vitamin C but that contained 96 mg vitamin C/kg was adequate for normal growth and prevention of vitamin‐deficiency signs in walleye.