An oronasal fistula in cats can be diagnosed upon physical examination of the feline’s mouth. Oronasal fistulas are commonly found during routine dental cleanings, but if the feline was brought into the clinic in concern to the presenting symptoms, the vet may use an otoscope (a medical tool used to view the nose, ears, and throat) to look into the feline’s mouth. If your cat is a regular to dental cleanings, the veterinarian will review the feline’s medical history, focusing on previous dental extractions. As dental extractions can cause oronasal fistulas, this piece of information will prove to be highly beneficial to the veterinarian in making a diagnosis. Trauma is also a likely cause of oronasal fistulas in cats, so it is at this time that your veterinarian will ask you questions regarding any recent trauma cases, such as bites, your cat has given or received.
Once your veterinarian has pinpointed his or her diagnosis on an oronasal fistula, pre-surgical lab work will be requested for treatment purposes. In order to evaluate your cat’s overall health, a biochemistry profile will need to be run on the feline’s blood. A biochemistry profile will provide important information as to how the feline’s internal organs are functioning. To ensure the kidneys are working properly, a urinalysis will be conducted, which is a simple examination of a urine sample.