Things are not looking promising for one of the most recognizable -- and fearsome -- mascots in college football.
LSU announced Monday morning that Mike VI, the school’ live tiger mascot, diagnosed with a spindle cell sarcoma, a type of cancer. “Mike’s veterinarian, David Baker, DVM, Ph.D., and his veterinary student caretakers,” the school’s release stated, “previously noticed swelling on the right side of Mike’s face.”
A subsequent CT scan revealed a tumor on the tiger’s face near his nose, with a biopsy leading to the cancer diagnosis.
The school stated that this is “an extremely rare form of cancer,” and would lead to the animal’s death in a month or two if left untreated. Mike VI will be treated with “a new and highly sophisticated form of radiation therapy called ‘Stereotactic radiotherapy.’” While the “treatment is not curative[, it] should extend Mike’s life and allow him to live comfortably” -- perhaps for another 1-2 years.
“Currently, Mike’s attitude and demeanor are unchanged, and he does not appear to be in pain,” the school said, adding, “Eventually, the radiation-resistant cells remaining in the tumor will resume growth.”
Mike VI is 11 years old and has been at LSU since he was two.