Abstract
Simple SummaryBlack rhinoceros under human care are predisposed to Iron Overload Disorder that is unlike the hereditary condition seen in humans. We aim to address the black rhino caretaker community at multiple perspectives (keeper, curator, veterinarian, nutritionist, veterinary technician, and researcher) to describe approaches to Iron Overload Disorder in black rhinos and share learnings. This report includes sections on (1) background on how iron functions in comparative species and how Iron Overload Disorder appears to work in black rhinos, (2) practical recommendations for known diagnostics, (3) a brief review of current investigations on inflammatory and other potential biomarkers, (4) nutrition knowledge and advice as prevention, and (5) an overview of treatment options including information on chelation and details on performing large volume voluntary phlebotomy. The aim is to use evidence to support the successful management of this disorder to ensure optimal animal health, welfare, and longevity for a sustainable black rhinoceros population.Critically endangered black rhinoceros (BR) under human care are predisposed to non-hemochromatosis Iron Overload Disorder (IOD). Over the last 30 years, BR have been documented with diseases that have either been induced by or exacerbated by IOD, prompting significant efforts to investigate and address this disorder. IOD is a multi-factorial chronic disease process requiring an evidence-based and integrative long-term approach. While research continues to elucidate the complexities of iron absorption, metabolism, and dysregulation in this species, preventive treatments are recommended and explained herein. The aim of this report is to highlight the accumulated evidence in nutrition, clinical medicine, and behavioral husbandry supporting the successful management of this disorder to ensure optimal animal health, welfare, and longevity for a sustainable black rhinoceros population.
Highlights
Endangered black rhinoceros (BR) under human care are predisposed to non-hemochromatosis Iron Overload Disorder (IOD)
Black rhinoceroses (BR; Diceros bicornis) under human care are predisposed to non-hemochromatosis Iron Overload Disorder (IOD; see Section 1.3 How does IOD work in BR?) with laboratory and histopathologic evidence of cellular injury, necrosis, and clinical signs similar to human iron overload disorders [1,2]
Over the last 30 years, BR have been documented with diseases that have either been induced by or exacerbated by IOD, prompting significant efforts in diagnostic, treatment, and prevention strategies [2,5,6]
Summary
Black rhinoceroses (BR; Diceros bicornis) under human care are predisposed to non-hemochromatosis Iron Overload Disorder (IOD; see Section 1.3 How does IOD work in BR?) with laboratory and histopathologic evidence of cellular injury, necrosis, and clinical signs similar to human iron overload disorders [1,2]. The aim of this report is to highlight accumulated evidence supporting the successful management of this disorder to ensure optimal animal health, welfare, and longevity. This report integrates evidence from human medicine (Figure 1), as iron overload is a common clinical problem [9], and the management of the disorder has been studied extensively; we use these learnings to supplement our strategies in BR under human care. This report integrates evidence from human medicine (Figure 1), as iron overload is a common clinical problem A[9n]im, aalns d202t0h,e10m, 1a9n91agement of the disorder has been studied extensively; we use these learn ionf g28s to supplement our strategies in BR under human care. Individual animal history, including pregnancy, parasite load, and confounding oxidative stressors, including those associated with metabolic syndrome
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