Early estimates show veterinarian attendance dropped to 5,258, which is down from last year's total of 5,988. Total attendance was tracked at 13,182, the conference reports, which was a decline from last year's 16,051 total registrations.

Other attendance estimates include: Veterinary technicians, 1,338; managers, 584; students, 581; exhibitors, 3,465 and others.

The conference is scheduled to run until Jan. 21 at Orlando's Gaylord Palms, Marriott World Center and Caribe Royale.

Key programming highlights included an "Economic Crisis" symposium from leading practice management consultants; special programming titled "The Elephant in the Room" that addressed challenges facing veterinary education including rising student debt. Hundreds of scientific sessions ranged from dermatology to veterinary forensics.