ABSTRACT
The diverse spectrum of degenerative diseases includes those caused by deterioration of cells and tissue over time. Although some degenerative diseases have a genetic basis, others are related to aging and repeated use, possibly exacerbated by lifestyle factors, exposure to toxins, and other concurrent diseases and conditions. Although data are deficient for many reptile species, reptiles generally appear to have slower aging compared with mammals and birds. Factors that may promote resistance to degenerative diseases in reptiles include low metabolic rate relative to endotherms, adaptations for indeterminate growth or continued growth after reproductive maturity, and adaptations for survival during extreme conditions and stress. Although changes in the frequency and completeness of ecdysis in reptiles are not truly a degenerative condition of the skin, they may be indicative of other underlying conditions. Degenerative change may occur anywhere in the reptilian lens and are easiest to appreciate microscopically in the annular and anterior pads.
