The RCVS forewarned us of a letter they are sending to the Vet Times regarding orthopaedic firing, this week.  Whilst we didn't agree with their decision to publish, they did ameliorate the letter on our advice.  Firing has been a contentious subject for some years now and, even with the RCVS 'ban' in-place many of members feel that this therapy has some merit.  We defend veterinary surgeons' right to use the treatment they feel to be in the best interests of the horse, whilst also recognising that there are a range of therapies for the treatment of tendonitis, some of which have a greater claim of efficacy.  What was apparent today, at the World Horse Welfare conference in London, was that there are greater equine welfare concerns out-there, other than tendon firing which merit our attention.