Effects of functional septoplasty on the facial growth of ferrets

Objective: To determine the effects of functional septoplasty on the facial growth of ferrets. Design: Pilot Study. Setting: Medical center. Materials: Nine 4-week-old female ferrets. Interventions: The ferrets were divided into 3 groups of 3. The first group served as the control group and only had bilateral mucoperichondrial flaps raised. The second group had a 5 X 3-mm piece of septal cartilage removed with preservation of the dorsal and caudal septal struts. The third group had a 4-mm piece of vomer (bone) excised with preservation of all septal cartilage. All groups had the mucoperichondrium preserved. The ferrets grew until 14 weeks of age (well beyond their growth spurt) and were then killed. Lateral cephalograms were then performed and facial analysis conducted to discern any changes in facial growth. Main Outcome Measures: Facial growth based on cephalometric analysis. Results: Analysis of variance testing showed no statistically significant differences in facial growth either within or between the 3 groups. Conclusion: Functional septoplasty has no effect on the facial growth of ferrets.