Equine veterinarians are noticing a drop in patients thanks to the negative impact the weak economy is having on the horse racing industry. The number of registered Thoroughbred foals has dropped by an estimated 10% over last year, after four years of decline, and is now at its lowest ebb since the early 1970s.

Along with the drop in patients, some vets are also seeing many equine clients take much longer to pay their bills. Also affected are other locations that employ equine veterinarians, such as farms and training centers associated with the racing industry.