Diagnostic imaging refers to technologies that doctors use to look inside the body for clues about a medical condition. A variety of machines and techniques can create pictures of the structures and activiteis inside the body. The technology the veterinarian uses will depend on the symptoms and the part of the body being examined. X-rays, CT scans, nuclear medicine scans, MRI scans and ultrasound are all types of diagnostic imaging. At ACCES, we provide Ultrasound and X-rays in-house.

Ultrasound is a very useful diagnostic tool. While radiographs can tell you a lot about the bones and also about the size and shape of internal organs, they can't tell you why an organ is enlarged. Ultrasound is a much better tool for looking at internal structures such as the liver and kidneys. It allows you to see the difference between fluid pockets and tumors. Biopsies and needle aspirates can also be obtained with ultrasound guidance in a way that is safer and less invasive than surgery.

At ACCES Seattle, we have two radiologists available to perform diagnostic ultrasound and procedures. A state of the art ultrasound is available 24 hours per day for emergency exams by our emergency clinicians at both locations.

To request an appointment with an ACCES radiologist, please fill out our Diagnostic Imaging Request Form. Once completed, you can email the form to seattlereception@criticalcarevets.com or fax to 206-364-3667.

New! Submit your digital radiograph interpretation request form online. Click here.

Diagnostic Imaging Services Include:

• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• Radiograph Interpretation
• CT Interpretation

Please have your veterinarian contact ACCES for more information on these services.

• Dr. Steve Pokorny, VMD DACVR is available at ACCES Seattle Monday-Friday for diagnostic ultrasound and radiograph interpretation.

• Dr. Todd Smithenson DACVR of VetMed Diagnostic Imaging receives patients for diagnostic ultrasound and radiograph interpretation. He is available at ACCES Seattle Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

About the Radiologists:

Steve Pokorny, VMD DACVR received his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 and went on to complete his residency at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. After several years in practice, Dr. Pokorny returned to his studies and has since passed his boards to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Throughout his career, Dr. Pokorny has worked at a variety of emergency veterinary hospitals and has gained experience working with reptiles and other exotic animals as a volunteer veterinarian. His broad skill set and knowledge base greatly compliments his diagnostic skills in the ACCES radiology department.

Todd Smithenson, DVM DACVR is a graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island in Canada. He did his residency and masters at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University. He has been working in private practice on the West coast since 2003.