Stone Joint
Stone Joint is a geriatric condition which affects elderly Gos in later life. It is not fatal, but lowers the quality of life. It cannot be cured and its causes are not fully understood.
Transmission & Vectors
None
Causes
This condition is caused by neurological degradation, due to old age. As the neurones break down, nerve signals are slow to transmit signals through the body, which causes slowness in reaction time.
Symptoms
Slow reaction time, reduced sensitivity, followed by inflammation and pain in the affected joint. This gradually leads to paralysis of the affected joints.
Treatment
There is no treatment for Stone Joint - herbs and pain killers are used as palliative care to control the condition.
Prognosis
Once diagnosed, the condition always leads eventually to paralysis, though gentle, specific exercises and extended rest can slow the condition.
Affected Groups
The elderly are the only known sufferers of Stone Joint.
Prevention
There is no known prevention of this condition as the cause is not understood.
Cultural Reception
Stone Joint is seen as one of the signs of impending old age. Diagnosis usually leads to individuals considering the end of their life, drawing up wills and making peace with any who they have injured or argued with. This is almost always premature, however, as the suffers can live an otherwise healthy life for fifteen to twenty years following the onset.