What is the primary reason for monitoring an animal's vital signs?

Monitoring an animal's vital signs is primarily done to assess its general health. Vital signs include parameters like heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure, all of which provide crucial information about the physiological state of the animal. For example, abnormal vital signs can indicate underlying health issues such as infections, shock, or other medical conditions requiring immediate attention. By regularly checking these signs, a wildlife rehabilitator can evaluate the animal's well-being and make informed decisions about its care and treatment.

While age and species identification are important in rehabilitation, they are not the immediate focus when assessing an animal's current health status. Stress levels can be evaluated through observations of behavior and environment, but vital signs give a more direct physiological measure, which is essential for effective medical interventions.