This St Bernard is one of a handful of pooches to go under the knife... for a facelift!

But Boyce was not hoping to 'paws' time, or even to rid himself of his hang-dog expression.

For the weighty hound has suffered from excess skin folds that have become so bad they've left him blind (see picture left).

Now Boyce has undergone the first operation in a bid to cure him of the condition which left his skin folds constantly rubbing his eyeballs.

Staff and volunteers at the Dogs Trust, Canterbury have helped Boyce on the road to recovery.

Veterinary director Paula Boyden said: "This condition is often seen in Shar Peis and is quite unusual for a St. Bernard to suffer this badly.

"Prior to his facelift Boyce would have suffered terribly with sore eyes caused by the constant rubbing of skin folds on his eyeballs."

The operation involved removing a section of skin on the top of his head, so his skin could be "lifted" and stitched back together. This restored his vision (see picture below).

Ms Boyden added: "Resorting to a facelift demonstrates the severity of the poor dog's condition and we're delighted that Boyce will now be able to lead a happy and healthy life."

The bouncy dog has recently recovered from his first facelift, but it doesn't stop there for Boyce, who is scheduled in for further plastic surgery to improve his quality of life.

The next operation will reshape his eyelids, to reduce Boyce's pain and discomfort.

Once he's fully recovered he will be ready for rehoming.

If you think you can offer a home to Boyce or any of his canine chums at Dogs Trust Canterbury contact the centre at Radfall Road, Chestfield, Nr Whitstable, Kent, CT53ER or call 01227 792 505.