From: The benefits and limitations of animal models for translational research in cartilage repair
Species | Advantage | Disadvantage |
---|---|---|
Mouse | Low cost, manageable easily available Transgenic and athymic strains available Can be used in subcutaneous and intramuscular model for degradation rate and safety profile | Very small joints–in situ examination impossible |
Rat | Low cost, easily available Athymic strains available Maintain in-house | Permanently open growth plates accelerating intrinsic healing Increased density of cells in cartilage causing more efficient healing Partial thickness defects impossible |
Rabbit | Low cost Maintain in-house | Increased intrinsic healing due to increased cell density Very different load characteristics Consistent partial thickness defects very difficult to achieve |
Dog | Naturally occurring disease state Co-operate with rehabilitation regime | Thin cartilage Small critical size defect (4Â mm) Complex ethical approval process |
Pig | Biochemistry similar to humans Bone apposition rate and trabecular thickness similar to human Partial thickness defects possible | Expensive Difficult to obtain at skeletal maturity Specialised habitat Temperament |
Goat | Anatomy and biomechanics similar to humans Partial thickness defects possible Easily available Low maintenance | Subchondral cyst formation |
Sheep | Anatomy similar to humans Partial thickness defects possible Easily available Low maintenance | Subchondral cyst formation |
Horse | Large defects similar to humans Partial thickness large diameter defects possible Naturally occurring defects Similar biomechanics in trochlear groove Second look arthroscopy possible | Expensive to acquire and maintain – specialised centre required Cannot avoid weight bearing on the joint during rehab phase if required Very dense subchondral bone MRI/CT impossible due to size |