Maybe when its older does the bacteria actually start to harm its host... Until then it could just lay dormant? Just a Theory.

Dave wrote: In that archnoboard thread, Stanley was just saying that it mite just be a theory.
Personally I think its what the tarantula consumes that causes the problem. If it was
genetics, why would the spider only get affected at a certain stage in life, surely
if it was born with the problem it would struggle with the disease its whole life, from sling
to adult until it eventually kills the spider?

Not true some genetically related diseases only occur later on in life....

How can u say that's not true? Its my opinion. If it is genetic, what triggers the spider to have the symptoms? How can a T go from perfectly fine and then be infected, molt out and then be fine again. Something drastic must happen to it to cause the T to get DkS.

Im saying that you cant rule out genetics.... According to Zhaurova (2008) Researchers do know that genetic diseases fall into three main causative categories: defects in a single gene, mutations in multiple genes, and chromosomal abnormalities. While many genetic diseases manifest at birth, others do not show symptoms until later in life, some 30 to 70 years later. In the framework of late-onset disease, researchers know that polygenic disorders outnumber other types by orders of magnitude (Wright et al., 2003). Nonetheless, the causes of onset and progression of such disorders are poorly understood due to the complexity of the genetic mechanisms involved, as well as the interplay between these mechanisms and the environment. Some factors that trigger incurable diseases after decades of healthy life have been proposed, however. These factors, as described in the sections that follow, help explain the reasons for the marked prevalence of polygenetic disorders among the older population.

yes this relates to humans but who says it cant happen in animals?

DKS WON THE BATTLE..... spider was unable to move this morning so had to end its life rather than let it suffer...

Aaaaaaaah no :'( Im sorry spinnerkop thats terrible...