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 kaasht'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 kaasht 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 kaasht's ancestors have had a history of contracting the disease, there is a 90% that either that kaasht or its offspring will have it.

How is it spread?
A kaasht cannot contract tailtwist through intercourse of any kind with a kaasht 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 kaasht 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 affect 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 kaasht developing this condition.

How is it treated?
Once the disease develops, kaasht 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.