Spinal osteoarthropathy

The growth of animals with this disease is limited (a python may only grow 2 feet (61 cm) long), and their life spans are greatly shortened.

The condition worsens as the patient ages; the end result is a reptile fused together by its own bones.

It is advisable not to have anything too high for them to climb because the reptile's ability to hold onto branches (for example) is restricted; floor space is more important.

Animals with this condition find it more difficult to eat (especially snakes, whose bony growths compromise their ability to manipulate food down their throat).

Handling may be painful and stressful because of their poor body movement and how the bones have grown.