Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

Meet Popcorn, The Pomeranian With A 3D-Printed Brain Shield

When 8-year-old Pomeranian Popcorn Bester was viciously attacked by another dog, the damage was catastrophic: her skull shattered into more than three pieces with bone fragments pressing dangerously against her brain, leaving her weak, off-balance, and at risk of seizures. Dr. Shannon van Rooyen at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital knew traditional surgery wouldn’t be enough for this complex case, so she turned to cutting-edge technology to save the tiny dog’s life. Using advanced imaging, the surgical team created a perfect 3D model of Popcorn’s skull and designed a custom titanium plate that would fit her exactly like a protective helmet for her brain.

In May, Dr. van Rooyen and Dr. Adriaan Kitshoff performed the delicate surgery, carefully removing the damaged bone fragments to relieve pressure on Popcorn’s brain before placing the titanium plate to reconstruct her skull and shield it from future trauma. The little Pomeranian spent considerable time in the ICU receiving round-the-clock care from clinicians and veterinary students, slowly regaining her strength day by day. When she was finally strong enough to be discharged, Dr. van Rooyen threw her a graduation ceremony complete with a certificate honoring “little four-legged warrior’s champion strength.” Over four months later, Popcorn is completely back to her old self, eating, playing, and enjoying life with a titanium-reinforced skull that proves modern veterinary medicine can work miracles.

PrevPreviousCapybara and Howler Monkey Friendship Defies All Odds
NextLost Cat Was Living HOW CLOSE The Entire Time?!Next

Recent Articles

Happy News

Four Rowers BREAK Barriers At Prestigious Race

October 13, 2025

Four rowers are making history as the first full South African crew of color to compete internationally at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston on October 19. The team, wearing the colors of Western Cape Rowing and joined by US coxswain Keria Gotrell under coach Mike Ortlepp’s

Read More
Happy News

What This Dog Does In Tiger Territory Is CRAZY

October 13, 2025

In the wilds of Malaysia where tigers roam and poachers hunt, conservation dog handler Rita Santos and her dog Hera walk through knee-high grass searching for something that might seem odd but is actually revolutionary: animal poop. Hera was born to a stray litter in Lisbon, adopted at six months,

Read More
Happy News

This Cat Is Running For President And Wants YOUR Pet As VP

October 13, 2025

Morris the Cat, the famous orange tabby spokescat for 9Lives who started life as a shelter resident in Illinois, has announced his candidacy for President of the United States and is now searching for the perfect running mate among America’s pets. This marks Morris’ fourth presidential run after campaigns in

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2025 HappyNews.