The veterinarian will obtain a thorough history of the cat's health and perform a complete physical examination. The cat may need to be sedated so that the veterinarian can examine its entire mouth for abnormalities such as ulcers, cancerous masses, gum disease or gingivitis, broken bones or teeth, and foreign objects such as string found under the tongue.
Other tests that may be done include a complete blood count, or CBC; a blood chemistry profile, which will detect problems with the function of organs such as the kidneys, thyroid, and liver; a urinalysis; and tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Many diseases that affect the organs can cause problems with the mouth, such as ulcers. The veterinarian may need to take x-rays of the head to see if there are any problems with the teeth and the bones surrounding the teeth.
