Hematological changes in Beagle pups X-irradiated in utero in the third trimester of gestation

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Purebred Beagle bitches were irradiated in the third trimester of pregnancy to the pelvic area, and after birth the pups were bled weekly up until twelve weeks of age and hemograms recorded. An effort was made to deter1nine any temporary or permanent deviation in the hemograms among dosed groups and controls.

Conclusions and Summary: The LD 50/30 for the treated pups at these X-ray characteristics (100 KVp, 10 ma, 1/2 mm equivalent inherent filtration, 2 1/2 mm Al filtration, focal point to mid-tissue animal 53. 5 cm. ) was between 200 and 300 roentgens. Below this LD 50/30 dose, the hemograms showed a slight temporary white blood count decrease with the abnormal cells, but no detectable change in the red cell indices. These changes were back to normal by the end of twelve weeks. Above the LD 50/30, the white blood cell count decreased, with more severe cellular abnormality, and the red cell indices indicated hypoplastic anemia. By the end of twelve weeks, even these dogs approached normal. This indicates a time-recovery factor for these pups irradiated in utero of these particular X-ray characteristics.