[Chronic damage in domestic animals after ionizing radiation (review)]

Late effects have to be taken into account after survival of high doses of ionizing radiation, after protracted and fractionated exposure as well as after radiotherapy. In this respect species specific peculiarities become apparent. In burros, e.g., late effects after high dose of acute radiation exposure comprised shortening of lifetime. While in this species no tumors were seen, squamous-cell carcinoma around the eyes, in the skin above the sacral region and withers became apparent in cattle. Dogs developed tumors of different localisation, type and dignity after pre- and postnatal exposure. Cataracts appeared in cattle. Primarily, early cardiac failure (myocardial atrophy, fibrosis of the pericardial sac) was seen in chicken. After protracted and fractionated exposure especially the pig showed an exceptional tolerance. Late effects of the skin (atrophy), liver (degeneration), kidney (fibrosis) and nerves (neuropathy) were described in particular for dogs and pigs.