HEMOCHROMATOSIS: A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF DISEASE DIAGNOSIS,
TREATMENT, AND CLI NICAL MANAGEMENT
Christine Steinert, B.S., R.V.T.
Brent R. Whitaker. M.S., D.V.M.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Pier 3, 501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
This presentation will explore hemochromatosis in several species of birds housed in the National
Aquarium in Baltimore’s rainforest exhibit. Hemochromatosis, also known as iron storage
disease, is defined as the excessive disposition of iron in body tissues, that results in cellular
damage. It is one of the most common genetic disorders in humans, however, it is often misdiagnosed or overlooked as the primary cause of illness. Left untreated it can produce cirrhosis
and cancer of the liver, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, heart failure, impairment of the immune
system, and death. Hemochromatosis has been reported in a variety of animal species including
fish, small terrestrial mammals, birds, and marine mammals. Diagnosis is difficult because the
initial clinical signs are often non-specific or mimic those associated with other more commonly
seen diseases. Hemochromatosis may be successfully managed through iron-chelating
medications, initiating dietary changes, and performing serial phlebotomy.