Pain Management

Our goal is to improve health and relieve suffering. Pain impacts quality of life and diminishes the body’s ability to heal from sickness, trauma, or surgery. We are fortunate to practice veterinary medicine in a time when pain management for animals is recognized as basic care. There are many options available to relieve pain, including medications, surgery, physical therapy, and weight management.

AAHA & AAFP Pain Management Guidelines

Categories Medical

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Geriatric Medicine

Medical Acupuncture

Overview
Regular Examinations
Screening
Vaccinations
Parasite Prevention & Treatment
Dental Care
Internal Medicine
Radiology, Ultrasonography
Nutrition & Weight Consultation
Geriatric Medicine
Pain Management
Medical Acupuncture
Laser Therapy
Canine Physical Rehabilitation
Pet Identification
Euthanasia Guidance & Services
Laboratory Services
Pharmacy
Urgent Care

"You guys are truly special people. The world would be a better place if there were more like you."

Laurie, Conway

"Thank you to all of you for your wonderful compassionate care and the support you give to us. It means so much."

Ed and Patty, South Hadley

“As I was thinking how lucky we are to go to the world’s best veterinary practice, I also thought how could so many awesome people work under one roof?!"

Kathy, Rich and Zuzu, Warren

"You helped me become strong; you helped me walk and you eased my pain and gave me so much love and attention and the BEST COOKIES EVER!"

"McCoy", Northampton

"The good folks at Riverbend get all the stars! We can’t thank them enough for their expertise, care and kindness."

Heather and Jessica, South Hadley

“Thank you for providing Gus with excellent service and attention over the past year. All of you have been extremely kind, patient and knowledgeable. Truly appreciated!”

Cori, West Springfield

“I asked my mom to write and tell you how much I enjoyed meeting you today. Thanks for being so nice to me. I can’t wait to see you again. Purr, purr, purr!”

"Lucy", Holyoke

“Sage would never have made it to fifteen with comfort and dignity had it not been for your caring and compassionate help. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Maureen & Rollie, Warren

"Lovely place and friendly staff! My little old lady is more active than ever!"

Filipa, Hadley

“I've been to four different vets in the area looking for the one place that cares about my pup as much as I do. I found that place at Riverbend! I have been blown away by their level of professionalism, kindness, empathy and support. I will be forever thankful!”

Michael, Northampton

"Thank you for all that you do for Northampton Little League!"

Team Riverbend, Northampton

“Thanks so much for taking such great care of Bearcat when he had his teeth out. He is now back to his high-jumping sweet self.”

Margot and Bri, Northampton

“Over and over again you have been available to us when our furry family members have had serious problems. It is always easier dealing with those tough times because of your love, caring, and compassionate ways."

Ann and Peter, Longmeadow

“Thank you for keeping Tucker’s world from being boring. You are a gift in our life!”

Amy, Greenfield

“I heard you tell my person how hard you worked to make me feel better. I’m proud to be your patient!”

Kisses & wags from "Gracie", Hadley

"We’re so grateful for your welcoming smiles and compassionate care. Cheers!"

Madeline and Don, Hatfield

“No matter how long you have your pet, it is never long enough. A million thanks for all for the great care. You went above and beyond.”

Adele & George, Enfield

"The practice seems to center on providing comprehensive, loving care for animals, which you can learn easily by sitting in the waiting room talking to other happy pet parents."

Nicole, East Longmeadow

“You and your staff have taken these frightening experiences and helped comfort us through these surgeries.”

Jim and Susan, Springfield

"Your compassion helped us navigate through a challenging and unexpected situation and we feel so lucky to have found you."

Sandra, Holyoke

“Dr. Thomson is the Dustin Pedroia of veterinary medicine -- determined, committed, talented, the ultimate teammate in what has been a very long season. Thank you for all you have done to help Tilly (and us) along this long and bumpy journey."

MJ and Anne, Sunderland

“From our first visit to the last, we had an overwhelming great experience. The front end staff is super knowledgeable and welcoming. Dr. Thomson and his team are wonderful. I just felt Charlie was in the best care possible!”

Erica, Springfield

“I want to thank all of you for helping me thru this most difficult time. Peanut was so special and precious. Thanks again for your support and caring.”

Lorraine, Westhampton

“We feel privileged to have Micah in your capable and caring hands. We look forward to a long, long, long, healthy life with Micah.”

Maggie and Elizabeth, Northampton

"We could not be more thankful that Giacomo chose you as his vet!"

Aaron and JoAnn, South Deerfield

"How could so many awesome people work under one roof? I guess it starts at the top. Years ago when David left Rowley, it was a no-brainer to follow him to Hadley.”

Rich, Kathy and Zuzu, Monson

"Okay, alright, we admit it -- we all like coming to Riverbend, not just the pets."

Chris and Tammy, Leverett

“We want to thank you for the excellent care you have provided Arlo. Everyone is kind, compassionate and professional. We are grateful for your expert care for our wonderful dog.”

Denise, Greenfield

“A gentle acknowledgement of the kindness in your practice. The greeting Leo got yesterday brings tears of happiness to my eyes as I write.”

Tammy and Chris, Leverett

"Thank you for your insightful guidance. To enter Riverbend is to understand its overriding purpose immediately."

Norman, Plainfield

"This is a huge hug being sent to everyone of you at Riverbend who makes it feel like family and friends there."

Karen, Agawam

“You were understanding of my fear and high level of anxiety throughout the process. I never felt rushed or dismissed at any question I had. Please know the wonderful impact you have in the world.”

Lisa, Wilbraham

“We are so grateful for all of the hard work you do! Thanks so much for being the best!”

Pete and Luke, Greenfield

“Thank you for giving our special little guy, Mr. Stubbs, another 50,000 miles.”

Bob and Polly, Somers, CT

"You have made us smile when we were down and have offered Spencer a much better quality of life!"

Linda and Edward, Southwick

“Thank you for caring for Bear and Otter and thanks for being such an important part of our community.”

Margo and Bri, Northampton

“You were there for me through every crisis and saved his life three years ago, so that we had more time together.”

Mady, Amherst

"The best pet care around and the nicest staff. Happy to bring my best friend here for needs and care. Thank you!"

Matt, Easthampton

"I want you to know how much I appreciated everything you did for Scooter. You gave him a better quality of life for his last 2 years and I will be forever grateful."

Cynthia, Longmeadow

We are so lucky to have you here in the Valley.

Liz and Julie, Northampton

"The communication, education and attention given to the pet owners before, during and after the surgery is so appreciated by our family."

Lee Ann, Union, CT

“Just a little note to thank you and your staff for the wonderful care that you gave to Cooper and us. Everyone was so kind, caring and thoughtful that it put us at ease immediately.”

Sue and Jim, Springfield

“Thank you to everyone at Riverbend for your help and support with Electric over the past few years. We feel so fortunate to have such a great vet!”

Ellie, Sunderland

"We love Riverbend. The staff is the best, everyone is highly knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They also keep great records, which is helpful if you are not great at record-keeping, yourself."

Sharon and David, Sunderland

“Two bum knees is not a fair hand to be dealt. After her surgeries, Ivy now tears across the yard!”

Dave, Wilbraham

"Magic could hardly wait to burst through the door to see you...a true testament to the kindness and care she got at Riverbend. Thank you for being such an amazing bunch...to Magic and to me."

Bobby D, Northampton

“Thank you so much for the love and care you give to the animals and the humans of our family.”

Beth, Northampton

“You are blessed with a wonderful gift, Dr. Thomson, not only in your expertise as a surgeon but in the way you interact with people.”

Beth, Hatfield

"The love and support you all give to not only the animals but their people is truly remarkable."

Tiffany and Billie Lee, Montague

“If a picture wasn't going very well, I'd put a puppy dog in it.”

Norman Rockwell, artist

"Thank you for your expertise, professionalism and counseling but mostly for the care and attention that all of the receptionists, techs and docs showed all of us at every visit."

Jonie and Brad, Easthampton

"I really could not have taken as good care of both Enzo and Chester without the education you all gave me. I am so grateful and I hope you all know what a great difference you made in my life and Enzo and Chester’s."

Beth and Ernie, Northampton

"Every time I see your posts, my heart warms. When we think of you, we feel all the kindness and smarts and love you bring to your work. You are all remarkable. Thank you from Marcella and all of us."

Anat and Catherine, Northampton

“You can tell they love animals and this isn't just a job. They care about the pets and the owners, and it shows through their work. I got many calls from Dr. White to check up on my sick kitty and see how we were all doing.”

Christine, Hadley

“Barney could not have had better care or felt more love than he did with his visits to see his friends at Riverbend. He always got the royal treatment!”

Candy and Jim, Springfield

"You knew my loves, my blessed kitty loves. You handled them with care and skill and love. I am forever grateful to all of you."

Marcie, Holyoke

“You have always treated her exceptionally well, and despite her being so “special” she loved all of you and you loved her back.”

Jim and Rosalee, Granby

"Thank you all so much for allowing us to have our second Christmas with our little fat head, Pickles. You guys are just amazing."

James and Megan, Easthampton

“And the treats! How can we forget those? His favorite part!”

Lee, Leverett

"I know you care for many animals and yet, you made me feel as though Bella was the most important-you truly have a gift."

Linda, Leverett

"We've been bringing our Great Pyrenees to Riverbend since he was 8 wks old. Doctors, staff, reception ... all professional, caring, and a wealth of knowledge and experience! Thanks everybody!"

Dave and Deb, Belchertown

"From the first phone call, this has been the best veterinary experience I've ever had. You guys are great!"

Eric, Springfield