A Potential Canid Large Animal Model for Cleft

Objective: Advances in biomaterials and bioprinting may soon allow for custom-printed bone grafts, such as for alveolar clefts. Prior to in vivo studies in humans, a large animal model may be needed to test safety and efficacy. We herein describe the size and shape of spontaneous alveolar clefts in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (NSDTR). Methods: CT scans were obtained for 10 NSDTRs with natural bilateral cleft. Cleft defects were modeled using 3D slicer and measured for volume and superoinferior height. This data was compared with average volumetric and shape data from a human sample (n=35). NSDTR clefts were superoinferiorly taller and considerably mesiodistally narrower than human clefts, but were absolutely larger in terms of volume (p<0.001). Conclusions: While NSDTR may provide a sufficient model for narrow alveolar clefts, the biomechanical and physiological challenges posed by very wide cleft defects are unlikely to be well-mimicked in this model organism.