Corneal lipid deposition in anurans
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The subject of this thesis is an investigation of the etiology of corneal lipid deposition in captive frogs and toads. A review of historical and current cases of corneal lipid deposition in 15 species of frogs and toads housed at the Toronto Zoo revealed corneal arcus, one form of corneal lipid deposition, to be common in aged females of two species. In wild-caught Cuban tree frogs, kept in captivity for 17 months, corneal arcus was more prevalent in male and female frogs on a diet of high cholesterol crickets compared to conspecifics on a diet of regular crickets. Both male and female frogs had elevated serum cholesterol and LDL compared to wild frogs. These elevations were significantly higher in frogs with corneal arcus. High dietary cholesterol was likely a major factor contributing to elevated serum lipids and the development of corneal arcus in Cuban tree frogs.