What are "vital signs" in veterinary practice?

Vital signs in veterinary practice refer to the measurements that indicate an animal's basic bodily functions. These include parameters such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Monitoring these vital signs is essential because they provide critical information about the animal's health status and physiological state. For example, an elevated heart rate may indicate pain or stress, while a decreased respiratory rate could suggest a respiratory problem.

The other options do not adequately encapsulate the concept of vital signs. Measurements related to reproductive health focus specifically on the animal's reproductive system and are not part of the general monitoring of health status. Similarly, indicators of stress levels are important but do not encompass the broader range of bodily functions that vital signs do. Lastly, signs of feeding behavior pertain to an animal's nutritional habits rather than its physiological indicators. Thus, the correct understanding of vital signs focuses on the essential metrics that reflect the overall health and function of the animal's body.