A probable radiation-induced epidermal carcinoma in a sheep
West, J.L.; Bell, M.C.
Health Physics 32(1): 32-35
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-9078 PMID: 838588 Document Number: 122947
Determination of total dose retained (.apprx. 0.05%) was made from sheep that died within 16 days of dosing. Carcinogenic effects can be ascribed to radioactive material from fecal contamination of the skin. A radiation of dose of 16,000 rads (32P source) applied to the closely clipped skin of a sheep was estimated to provide 15,000 rads to the basal cell layer and 14,000 rads to the dermal fibrous tissue. A threshold dose to produce alopecia in a thick wooled sheep is probably between 10,000 and 15,000 rep (90Sr-90Y source). Ulceration did not occur at this exposure level. The relative rarity of epidermal carcinomas in sheep, exposure of the coccygeal area to large radiation doses and the carcinogenic effect of radiation indicates a probable cause and effect relationship of radiation and tumor development.