Gastrointestinal radiation syndrome in dogs irradiated with 10 Gy 60Co γ-rays

The clinical features of gastrointestinal radiation syndrome induced by 10 Gy 60Co γ-ray irradiation were studied in 9 dogs. The GI-syndrome ran a very critically ill and fast developing course, ending in early death. All dogs died within 3-6 days after irradiation with very severe gastrointestinal symptoms: frequent vomiting, severe diarrhea (bloody liquid stool), early loss of appetite, dehydration and electrolyte disorder. Hematopoietic injury was more severe than that in hematopoietic radiation syndrome. Intussusception occurred in 3 of 9 dogs (33.3%). The distinction between the different stages of clinical course was rather obscure. Dehydration and electrolyte disorder, intoxication, intussusception, adrenal hemorrhage and cardiac failure were the main causes of death