What is Tailtwist?
Tailtwist is a genetic disease found primarily in kits. It attacks
the bones, particularly the spine, making movement painful for the
rest of the kat's life. Its name comes from the condition of the
tail after this disease strikes - it seems to be permanently
curled up to the body. This disease makes the joints hard to bend,
leaving the kat stiff and in pain if they even so much as shift a
little when sleeping.
What are the symptoms?
The early signs of tailtwist are fairly mild - aching in the
joints, a weakened immune system, and general lethargy. This
disease is very slow-developing, often taking years before the
body gets to the curled-tail stage. Tailtwist can also stunt a
kit's growth, leaving them very small as an adult.
What causes it?
Tailtwist is genetic. If either of the kat's ancestors have had a
history of contracting the disease, there is a 90% that either
that kat or its offspring will have it.
How is it spread?
A kat cannot contract tailtwist through intercourse of any kind
with a kat that has it. This disease is not contagious,
and can only be passed from parent to child.
Where is it found?
Tailtwist is found all over Tryne, but smaller breeds of
kat seem to have problems with it more often.
How can it be prevented?
If your parents or their relatives have had tailtwist, there is
nothing you can do to prevent the disease. Whether or not it will
effect you in your lifetime is purely chance, but if you haven't
had problems with it by the end of your first level there is a
very small chance it will develop later in life. There have only
been a few cases of adult kats developing this condition.
How is it treated?
Once the disease develops, kats can try a series of exercises
which involve stretching and moving the joints as much as
possible, though that can be painful. Ironically, those who
survive tailtwist without being permanently crippled often end
up very flexible.
What are your chances of getting it?
If any of your relatives have ever had tailtwist, you or your
kits have a 90% chance of the disease developing. If the disease
hasn't struck you by the end of your first level, you're basically
safe... though it may show up in your kits. The disease does not affect minena.
Contributed by Cheshire
