Reference values of M-mode echocardiographic parameters and indices in conscious Labrador Retriever dogs

Breed-wise standard echocardiographic values in dogs have been reported as there is variation in body and chest conformation which limits the application of data of one breed for other breed. Labrador Retrievers being originated from hunting dogs, might have different echocardiographic values from standard normal range of other dog breeds. So, the present study was aimed to determine the M-mode echocardiographic reference ranges in Labrador Retriever dogs and to evaluate the effect of body weight and gender on these parameters. The data obtained were also compared with that of the other dog breeds. Conscious clinically healthy Labrador Retriever dogs [n=24] of both sexes were made the subject of the study. All the measurements were made from a right parasternal long axis left ventricular outflow tract view and the parameters measured were: left ventricular dimensions, left ventricular function, left ventricular volumes, left atrial and aortic root diameter and mitral valve parameters. Data obtained were also compared with that available for other dog breeds. Significant correlation [P<0.05] with body weight was obtained for some of the left ventricular, atrial and mitral valve parameters, being strong for LAD, AOD, LVIDd, LVIDs, IVSd and IVSs [r>0.5]; moderate for LVPWd, LVPWs, EPSS, EF Slope and SV [r=0.3 to 0.5]; weak for EDV and ESV [r<0.3]. Non-significant effect of gender was seen on all the echocardiographic parameters. However, some of the parameters had a significant breed effect. It is expected that the obtained data will be valuable for the progress of studies on small animal cardiology

Screening of antimicrobial activities of medicinally important orchid bulbophyllum lilacinum RidL

The organic solvent extracts were obtained from whole plant of Bulbophyllum lilacinum Ridl. to screen antibacterial activities and test was carried out against five human pathogenic bacteria namely, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, INABA-ET [Vibrio]. Water extracts obtained from whole plant were also screened for their antifungal activities against six phytopathogenic fungi including, Alternaria alttrnata, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Curvularia lunata, Colletotrichwn corchori, Fusarium equiseti, Macrophomina phaseolina. Both organic solvent and water extracts were found to be active against all the microbes tested and significant inhibition of microbial growth was also observed