DISEASE LINK PAGE

Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Elephants

Summary Information
Diseases / List of Micronutrient (Vitamin / Mineral) Diseases / Disease link This disease page is currently being used in Wildpro to *link* different data types and demonstrate inter-relationships. Whilst basic information is available, it does not contain comprehensive information.
Alternative Names	--
Disease Agents	Deficiency of iron due to inadequate iron in the diet and lack of access to iron-containing water or soil. (B10.49.w21, B214.3.7.w3, P505.9.w3) Note: Anaemia may also occur secondary to other diseases such as gastrointestinal parasitic infections, liver fluke infection and salmonellosis in elephants. (B450.13.w13) See: Liver Fluke Infection in Elephants Salmonellosis Diseases reported to affect elephants - SEARCH & List - Parasitic Diseases; Digestive System / Gastro-Intestinal Diseases
	Infectious Agent(s)	--
	Non-infectious Agent(s)	Iron (deficiency)
	Physical Agent(s)	--
General Description	In Elephants: Iron deficiency anaemia has been reported in both growing and adult elephants. (B10.49.w21, B214.3.7.w3, P505.9.w3) Clinical signs: Anorexia. (B10.49.w21) Progressive weight loss and emaciation. (B214.3.7.w3) Pale mucous membranes. (B10.49.w21, B214.3.7.w3) Depression. (B10.49.w21) Weak and irregular pulse. (B214.3.7.w3) Ventral oedema. (D301.3.w3); development of oedema in different parts of the body. (B214.3.7.w3)
Further Information	Diagnosis: A complete blood count will confirm the presence of anaemia, but may not reveal the underlying cause. (B10.49.w21) Packed cell volume, haemoglobin level and red blood cell count should be carried out, together with determination of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). (B101) Treatment: Elephants with iron deficiency anaemia may be supplemented with oral iron, such as ferrous sulphate. (B10.49.w21, B64.27.w4, B214.3.7.w3, P505.9.w3) Parenteral iron dextran, 0.5 mg/kg, then iron supplementation of the diet. (B10.49.w21) Regular exposure to clean earth. (B10.49.w21, B64.27.w4) Prevention: Ensure adequate iron in the diet (as a supplement if necessary), or provide access to iron in soil. (B214.3.7.w3, B10.49.w21)
Techniques linked to this disease	History & Documentation Physical Examination of Mammals Treatment and Care - General Environmental Assessment Necropsy of Mammals Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form Medicating Elephants Oral Medication of Elephants

Host taxa groups /species	Further information on Host species has only been incorporated for species groups for which a full Wildpro "Health and Management" module has been completed (i.e. for which a comprehensive literature review has been undertaken). Elephants (Elephantidae - Elephants (Family)) (List does not contain all other species groups affected by this disease)

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