| cat-scratch disease | <disease> A self-limiting bacterial infection of the regional lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) caused by afipia felis, a gram-negative bacterium recently identified as bartonella henselae. It usually arises one or more weeks following a feline scratch, with raised inflammatory nodules at the site of the scratch being the primary symptom. It results in tender and enlarged lymph glands above the site of injury. A chronic benign adenopathy, especially in children and young adults, commonly associated with a recent cat scratch or bite and caused by bacteria including Bartonella henselae and Alipia felis; the lymphadenopathy usually resolves spontaneously within a period of several months, but complications involving central nervous system, liver, spleen, lung, and skin have been seen. Synonym: benign inoculation lymphoreticulosis, benign inoculation reticulosis, cat-scratch fever, regional granulomatous lymphadenitis. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| cat-scratch fever | <disease> A self-limiting bacterial infection of the regional lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) caused by afipia felis, a gram-negative bacterium recently identified as bartonella henselae. It usually arises one or more weeks following a feline scratch, with raised inflammatory nodules at the site of the scratch being the primary symptom. It results in tender and enlarged lymph glands above the site of injury. A chronic benign adenopathy, especially in children and young adults, commonly associated with a recent cat scratch or bite and caused by bacteria including Bartonella henselae and Alipia felis; the lymphadenopathy usually resolves spontaneously within a period of several months, but complications involving central nervous system, liver, spleen, lung, and skin have been seen. Synonym: benign inoculation lymphoreticulosis, benign inoculation reticulosis, cat-scratch fever, regional granulomatous lymphadenitis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| scratch | 1. A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound, mark, furrow, or incision. "The coarse file . . . Makes deep scratches in the work." (Moxon) "These nails with scratches deform my breast." (Prior) "God forbid a shallow scratch should drive The prince of Wales from such a field as this." (Shak) 2. A line across the prize ring; up to which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence, test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the scratch; to come up to the scratch. 3. <veterinary> Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy. 4. A kind of wig covering only a portion of the head. 5. A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player; a fluke. Scratch cradle. See Cratch cradle, under Cratch. <botany> Scratch grass, a climbing knotweed (Polygonum sagittatum) with a square stem beset with fine recurved prickles along the angles. Scratch wig. Same as Scratch, 4, above. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| scratch reflex | In dogs, stimulus applied to the skin of a saddle-shaped area of the back, sides, and flanks produces a scratching movement of the hind leg of the side stimulated. (05 Mar 2000) |
| scratch test | A form of skin test in which antigen is applied through a scratch in the skin. (05 Mar 2000) |