Beauty and fashion trends come and go throughout the years, with some — such as matte makeup, fringe, and ripped jeans — even making comebacks in recent years. The ancient Mayans also sought to be beautiful, but their practices were different compared to modern tastes, as they were willing to completely change their bodies to conform to their beauty standards. A smile is a universal expression of happiness, which was also true in Mayan culture. However, the difference came with what you saw when they smiled, as Mayans enjoyed shaping and filing their teeth to sharp points. They then drilled holes through the center of their teeth to insert gems. What Did Mayans Consider to Be ‘Model’ Looks?
nutson Saved Goldendoodle
Knutson performed complete bloodwork, obtained abdominal X-rays, and tested Ernest for pancreatitis. His X-rays were unremarkable, and he tested negative for pancreatitis. However, his bloodwork revealed mild elevations in his
kidney values and abnormal sodium and potassium levels. Dr. Knutson admitted Ernest for hospitalization on IV fluids and further testing to find out why his kidney values were elevated. He did not have a profound urinary tract infection. He tested positive for leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease, and was started on antibiotics to be safe. However, Dr. Knutson didn’t feel this was the cause since he was vaccinated for this disease. An ACTH stimulation test was performed to test Ernest for an uncommon condition called hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s disease.
Tattoos were also considered stylish among Mayans, but they weren’t like modern
tattoos. The big difference in their skin designs was that they were achieved by actually carving into the skin to create 3D wounds. Hair accessories were big during Mayan times — really big. It wasn’t unusual for women to construct large, elaborate headdresses adorned with precious metals and gems and shaped to honor local animals.
Addison’s disease has earned the medical nickname “The Great Imitator,” as dogs can present with vomiting,
Another Mayan beauty standard relates to one of their prized crops: corn. It is said that Mayans correlated beauty with face and head structures that
diarrhea, and lethargy, which can be due to a plethora of different things. There are some breeds that have a genetic predisposition for Addison’s such as the standard poodle, bearded collie, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, and Portuguese water dog. Addison’s disease is when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough corticosteroid hormones, which are essential in regulating life- sustaining functions including electrolytes, blood pressure, hydration, metabolism, and stress responses. Ernest’s ACTH stimulation test revealed he has Addison’s disease. His kidney values as well as his sodium and potassium levels improved on IV fluids. He was started on prednisone and fludrocortisone to supplement his body’s deficiency in making these corticosteroids. Ernest gradually improved. He came in for weekly bloodwork and dosage changes on his medications until his bloodwork values were normal and he was back to his normal self, being excited about food, walks, and car rides. With long-term treatment, Ernest’s prognosis is excellent. Dr. Knutson and her team look forward to seeing Ernest for many more years to come!
were long and narrow, much like an ear of corn. To accomplish that, Mayan families bound the heads of their infant children between two boards while the skull was growing to achieve an extended cranial shape that would last the child’s whole life. Eyes are a universal source of beauty, but the Mayans thought the ultimate set of beautiful eyes were crossed eyes. To create crossed eyes, they put a band around the heads of children with a bead suspended right in front of their eyes. They continued this until the children were permanently cross-eyed. Noses were also a central sign of beauty among Mayans, and for them, the bigger the better. A large, hooked nose symbolized their bird-like gods and was so important to them that they added specially designed artificial nose bridges that were often multicolored and decorated with gems. Beauty is influenced by cultural values, and the Mayans invested a lot of time, energy, and creativity to achieve their vision of beauty, even if that vastly differs from today’s standards.
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