Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) in amphibians occurs as a result of low levels of vitamin A in the liver. This can eventually cause changes in some types of cells present in the tongue, kidney, reproductive organs, kidneys, and eye conjunctiva. If the cell changes occur in the reptile’s tongue, it’s called ‘short tongue syndrome’. Affected amphibians have difficulty eating. When the reproductive system is affected, it can result in low fertility rates and tadpoles often die early in life or fail to undergo complete metamorphosis. If kidney cells are affected, renal function is reduced which can eventually lead to retention of fluid in the body. Affected amphibians have a fluid-filled stomach which gives them a pot-bellied appearance.When it’s the cells of the eyes that are infected, the amphibian may develop white, raised bumps around the eyes and there will also be swelling and bulging of the skin surrounding the eyes. These cellular changes in various organs can suppress overall immune system function and can increase an amphibian’s susceptibility to disease.
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