EFFECTS OF X-RAY IRRADIATION ON THE TRANSMISSIBLE VENEREAL TUMOR OF THE DOG

Abstract

The response of the transmissible venereal tumor of dogs to x-ray irradiation has been studied. Tumors of eight female dogs, in the vaginal wall adjacent to the labia, disappeared completely following radiation therapy given in six exposures of 200, 300 or 400r over a period of three weeks (1200 to 2400r total dose). From the results obtained it is concluded that the transmissible venereal tumor of the clog is sensitive to irradiation.
Histological studies revealed transient suppression of mitosis, cellular and nuclear enlargement and mitotic aberrations in the earlier stages of treatment. In the advanced stages of tumor regression, nuclear disintegration, infiltration with granulocytes, lymphoid cells, histiocytes and plasma cells followed by proliferation of fibrous tissue were observed.
Both clinical and hematological observations indicate that the irradiation therapy was well tolerated.