Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging refers to technologies that medical and veterinary professionals use to explore inside the body for clues about a medical condition.

Radiographs (often called x-rays), ultrasound, and CT can be used alone or in combination to offer an in-depth look at internal structures. ACCES’ technologically advanced diagnostic imaging suites includes onsite access to radiographs, digital radiographs, ultrasound and CT scans.

Digital Radiography

Digital x-rays offer a picture quality that is much sharper than film x-rays thus allowing for the radiologist to see information that might be missed. The digital x-ray process is also much faster and efficient. Digital radiographs also allow images to be sent electronically allowing review by a radiologist who is in a different location and to allow transmittal to a pet’s family veterinarian.

Ultrasound

While radiographs can tell you a great deal about the bones and the size and outside shape of internal organs, they can't tell you what the inside of an organ looks like. 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.

ACCES’ state-of-the-art ultrasound is available 24 hours per day for emergency exams by our emergency clinicians at both locations, while our CT is available round the clock at  ACCES Seattle.

Dr. Todd Smithenson, DVM, MS, DACVR, of VetMed Diagnostic Imaging is available at ACCES Seattle Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays for diagnostic CT scans, ultrasound and radiograph interpretation. Dr. Smithenson also receives patients for diagnostic ultrasound and radiograph interpretation at ACCES Renton on Wednesdays.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide a better three-dimensional picture, as well as more detail, than standard or digital radiographs. The scan combines advance x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body that can be reconstructed into 2D and 3D images. The resulting images provide your veterinarian with valuable information to help identify specific health problems and more easily diagnose disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders in your pet. With this new state-of-the-art imaging modality, ACCES is able to offer complete body cavity and other targeted scans in seconds.

CT Scan Overview

Diagnostic Imaging Services

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• Digital radiographs
• Ultrasound
• Contrast radiology procedures
• Radiographic consultation
• Mobile ultrasound services