Iron Storage Disease-Associated Retinal Degeneration in a Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii).

Iron storage disease causes retinal degeneration in tapirs; implement retinal screening in susceptible captive wildlife.

This case report describes the first documented naturally occurring iron storage disease (ISD)-associated retinal degeneration in a captive Baird's tapir. A 14-year-old male presented with acute neurologic signs, disorientation, and vision deficits. Ophthalmic examination identified circular non-pigmented fundic lesions bilaterally with diminished menace responses. Electroretinography demonstrated attenuated waveforms consistent with retinal dysfunction. Laboratory analysis revealed markedly elevated serum iron (377 μg/dL) and ferritin (31,406 ng/mL). Histopathologic examination confirmed focal RPE degeneration and photoreceptor loss at lesion sites, with iron accumulation in RPE and vascular endothelial cells. Systemic necropsy identified widespread hemosiderosis and hemochromatosis affecting liver, spleen, bone marrow, and choroid plexus. These findings parallel documented retinal pathology in human and laboratory animal models of iron dysregulation. The case establishes a pathologic link between iron metabolism dysfunction and retinal disease in exotic species, highlighting the need for retinal screening protocols and reference values for iron metabolism in captive tapirs.

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