VCA Antech Inc. reported better third quarter earnings but shares of the Los Angeles animal care provider fell Friday, a day after the company lowered its guidance.

After markets closed Thursday, the veterinary clinic operator reported net income of $36.4 million (42 cents per share), compared with $35.8 million (42 cents) a year ago. Earnings per share were flat from a year ago because the company now has more shares outstanding.

Revenue fell 2 percent to less than $339 million, with sales at hospitals open at least one year down 4.9 percent. Pet health care companies have been hurt by the economy as owners cut the number of veterinary visits. Animal hospital revenue increased 1.6 percent only due to acquisitions of clinics, while laboratory revenue was flat.

The earnings met the average expectations of analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters, but revenue was lower than Wall Street’s predicted $349 million.

For fiscal 2009, VCA Antech now expects adjusted earnings of $1.52 to $1.56 per share. Analysts are expecting earnings of $1.58 per share.

Chief Executive Bob Antin said integration of a recent acquisition, medical imaging company Eklin Medical Systems Inc., has proved “more challenging than expected” due to the weak economy, but added the company is optimistic about the unit’s potential.

“Our continued focus on maintaining margins through various initiatives has provided us the ability to continue to successfully grow earnings despite the challenges presented by the general economic environment,” Antin said.

Shares closed down $2.48, or 9 percent, to $24.96 on the Nasdaq.