LSU plans to euthanize tiger mascot after tests show cancer spreading
Cancer has spread in Mike the Tiger, the LSU live mascot, the university announced.
Mike VI, a Bengal-Siberian mix, was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma earlier this year and has a tumor near his nose that has continued to grow.
The university plans to euthanized Mike VI before he succumbs to cancer. University doctors believe that he can live another month or two.
“We will not allow Mike to suffer,” Dr. Dave Baker said in a statement. “We will monitor him closely every day and will humanely euthanize him when the time comes. This is about treating Mike with dignity, compassion and respect.”
The tiger was anesthetized and taken to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on Monday for a CT scan. The tests determined the tumor growth and cancer spread.
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Mike VI has been the team’s tiger since 2007. Mike II had the shortest span as the team's mascot from 1956 to 1958, and died as a result of multiple fractures to his left rear leg.
LSU announced a search for Mike VII has started.
