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My Shih Tzu has a red, big eye stye. Can it cause fever or sickness?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old | 17 lbs

My Shi Tzu is prone to styes on her eyes. She currently has one that is particularly big and it seems to be irritating her eye to the point it's red and she has been squinting. Will this stye cause her to have a fever? She has been acting as though she doesn't feel good.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on December 13, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Alice. Typically an eyelid growth would not cause her to have a fever. I would advise taking her to your veterinarian for an evaluation. Eyelid growths are best addressed when they are small because if surgery is required, the less eyelid that is removed, the better the outcome. It's possible her cornea or outer surface of the eye is irritated from the growth so it's important to get this checked also. Red eyes are a concern because that could mean there is an infection inside the eye or the pressure inside the eye is increased. An infection inside the eye could cause a fever. Your veterinarian can get a history, perform an examination including her eyes and then advise you on a diagnostic/treatment plan. Possible tests include corneal eye stain, measure the pressure in the eyes or other tests. A treatment plan can be discussed once the findings and any tests are done. Surgical excision of the mass may be advised. Good luck with Alice

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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