lsu.eduLouisiana State University's live tiger mascot has terminal cancer that has spread across its body.
LSU Veterinarian David Baker said at a news conference Wednesday that Mike VI has at best another one to two months to live.
Baker said a tumor near the tiger's nose has grown despite radiation treatments, and the cancer has now spread to the animals right leg, the base of its neck and even its lungs.
Baker says Mike will be euthanized when the time comes so that he can die with dignity. Meanwhile, he'll remain in his campus habitat. Baker also said that he'll soon begin searching animal rescue facilities for a Mike VII.
LSU announced in May that the tiger had been diagnosed with a rare and inoperable form of cancer. At the time, veterinarians said treating its spindle cell sarcoma with radiation therapy could extend the 10-year-old tiger's life by one or two more years.
Last month, LSU announced that Mike VI won't take the field during home football games this season, and instead will remain in its campus habitat.