After months of continuous treatment, reports state that beloved mascot Mike the Tiger will be euthanized upon discovering that his cancer has spread. Though doctors have attempted to assist Mike in radiation treatment and surgery, they have officially decided to humanely end his life before succumbing to death.
LSU’s live tiger mascot, Mike the Tiger or Mike VI was previously diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma in May 2016. On June 1, doctors performed stereotactic radiotherapy on the tiger at Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center in Baton Rouge. From there, his caretakers kept an eye on him following treatment. On October 3, he was then euthanized and taken to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to ascertain the status of his tumor.
Although the tumor initially shrank from radiation treatment, the examination proved that the tumor had not only grown but also spread to additional parts of his body. While the cancer originated on the right side of his head, Mike now developed multiple nodules on the lower right rear leg, throughout his lungs, and elsewhere. From this unfortunate development, doctors admit that he would eventually die from cancer.
“We will not allow Mike to suffer,” said LSU’s Attending Veterinarian David Baker. “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.” Baker admits that while Mike could live another one to two months with cancer, he and his caretakers have decided to euthanize the mascot soon. For now, Mike will be outside on days when he feels well enough based on his caretakers’ interests.
There is no set date for the euthanization, but LSU is already beginning their search for their next mascot Mike VII. Until then, countless LSU fans continue to pour out their sympathy for their beloved mascot.