Role of animal models in experimental studies of craniofacial growth following cleft lip and palate repair.

The present study was designed to examine the role of the animal model on investigations of craniofacial growth. Identical experimental protocols were followed using 6-week-old rabbits and 8-week-old beagles. Three groups were used for each species, two control groups and one experimental group. The groups within each experimental model were compared for lip pressure, occlusion, and cephalometrics. Statistical analyses including analyses of correlations were used to evaluate dimensional craniofacial relations. The results of this study revealed that dimensional relations were significantly different in rabbits and beagles despite the similarities observed in overall craniofacial growth aberrations. Analysis of the results does not allow strong conclusions about which animal model (rabbits or beagles) is more appropriate for studying craniofacial growth.