Description:
Some sicknesses that afflict ponies and zebras! This is of course not comprehensive, but I think these are either significant or more common. Things like colds and the Feather Flu are self-explanatory. (I think with Feather Flu, it’s just a normal flu but when it affects pegasi, their feathers fall out.)
Magic has advanced medical care significantly, and mortality rates are at an all-time low among ponies/zebras. Some of these ailments occur in other creatures, but perhaps I’ll do a piece focused on dragon or griffin-specific illnesses.
Anyway here are some more details on the ailments listed here:
Swamp Fever – rare, only occurs in those who tread in areas where the Swamp Fever trees grow. The trees reproduce parasitically by spewing pollen onto hosts when disturbed. The pollen infiltrates their immune system, causing the various strange symptoms that make the disease unique. After a short period of just a few days, the tree growing within the host claims their entire body, effectively growing a new whole new tree to begin the cycle again. But luckily, this previously untreatable disease has a cure with 100% efficacy thanks to the mutualistic relationship the tree has with flash bees.
Horsentary – fairly common in rural areas where clean water is harder to come by. If one has access to basic healthcare, it can be easily taken care of. Buuut if one doesn’t have access to antibiotics, it’s a long, painful healing process or they parish from dehydration
Crystal Blight – only effects unicorns. Typically only occurs in ponies that constantly use their horns (working class unicorns), those who fail to maintain their horns, and more rarely, as a freak result of genetic misfortune. It is easy to fix, however. It just needs to be done quick before the crystals grow out of control.
Ponypox – A common rash that typically occurs in foals. It’s caused by a contagious virus that can easily infect an entire classroom if left unchecked. It is extremely rare for a pony to die from this, and it’s almost always due to some other underlying complication. It looks far worse than it is, what with the hair loss and nasty rash. Don’t get me wrong, it is very unpleasant and painful, but it’s not as deadly as the next one on the list.
Red-eye Disease – Rare. Animals act as a vector and transmit the disease through bites or other fluid-to-mucus-membrane contact. Typically ponies are vaccinated for this due to its devastating symptoms. Death is unfortunately the most common outcome of the disease, but if it is caught early, it can be reversed. Unlike rabies in our world, this can be cured after symptoms appear thanks to magical therapy which heals the brain after it’s been infiltrated by the virus. It is distinct in the redness of the eyes and the copious drooling.
Other diseases –
Waste – almost unheard of in equines, but transmittable from deer and cattle. It is where the victim literally wastes away by isolating themselves from others, confusion, refusing to eat, and extreme thirst. It’s more subtle, so it is easier to miss. It is caused by misfolding proteins accumulating in the brain, resulting in the break down of the nervous system. If one has access to magical therapy, it can be reversed.
Sleeping Sickness – also rare, but easily confused with red-eye disease due to similar symptoms. It is spread by mosquitos that suck blood from infected host animals and then bite an unwitting pony. What follows is aggression, flu-like symptoms, and experiences confusion, decay of the nervous system and eventually death. Again, brain therapy can prevent permanent brain damage if one has access to it. It occurs most often in areas that have high mosquito populations, like swamps or marshes.
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It's been a while since I've posted a World Bits! I know I had a few in mind, but since it's been so long I've forgotten the ones I said I would do. :0) If you have an idea for a World Bits I could tackle, please feel free to share!!
Magic has advanced medical care significantly, and mortality rates are at an all-time low among ponies/zebras. Some of these ailments occur in other creatures, but perhaps I’ll do a piece focused on dragon or griffin-specific illnesses.
Anyway here are some more details on the ailments listed here:
Swamp Fever – rare, only occurs in those who tread in areas where the Swamp Fever trees grow. The trees reproduce parasitically by spewing pollen onto hosts when disturbed. The pollen infiltrates their immune system, causing the various strange symptoms that make the disease unique. After a short period of just a few days, the tree growing within the host claims their entire body, effectively growing a new whole new tree to begin the cycle again. But luckily, this previously untreatable disease has a cure with 100% efficacy thanks to the mutualistic relationship the tree has with flash bees.
Horsentary – fairly common in rural areas where clean water is harder to come by. If one has access to basic healthcare, it can be easily taken care of. Buuut if one doesn’t have access to antibiotics, it’s a long, painful healing process or they parish from dehydration
Crystal Blight – only effects unicorns. Typically only occurs in ponies that constantly use their horns (working class unicorns), those who fail to maintain their horns, and more rarely, as a freak result of genetic misfortune. It is easy to fix, however. It just needs to be done quick before the crystals grow out of control.
Ponypox – A common rash that typically occurs in foals. It’s caused by a contagious virus that can easily infect an entire classroom if left unchecked. It is extremely rare for a pony to die from this, and it’s almost always due to some other underlying complication. It looks far worse than it is, what with the hair loss and nasty rash. Don’t get me wrong, it is very unpleasant and painful, but it’s not as deadly as the next one on the list.
Red-eye Disease – Rare. Animals act as a vector and transmit the disease through bites or other fluid-to-mucus-membrane contact. Typically ponies are vaccinated for this due to its devastating symptoms. Death is unfortunately the most common outcome of the disease, but if it is caught early, it can be reversed. Unlike rabies in our world, this can be cured after symptoms appear thanks to magical therapy which heals the brain after it’s been infiltrated by the virus. It is distinct in the redness of the eyes and the copious drooling.
Other diseases –
Waste – almost unheard of in equines, but transmittable from deer and cattle. It is where the victim literally wastes away by isolating themselves from others, confusion, refusing to eat, and extreme thirst. It’s more subtle, so it is easier to miss. It is caused by misfolding proteins accumulating in the brain, resulting in the break down of the nervous system. If one has access to magical therapy, it can be reversed.
Sleeping Sickness – also rare, but easily confused with red-eye disease due to similar symptoms. It is spread by mosquitos that suck blood from infected host animals and then bite an unwitting pony. What follows is aggression, flu-like symptoms, and experiences confusion, decay of the nervous system and eventually death. Again, brain therapy can prevent permanent brain damage if one has access to it. It occurs most often in areas that have high mosquito populations, like swamps or marshes.
—-
It's been a while since I've posted a World Bits! I know I had a few in mind, but since it's been so long I've forgotten the ones I said I would do. :0) If you have an idea for a World Bits I could tackle, please feel free to share!!
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