Fansided

LSU’s tiger mascot, Mike VI, given 1-2 months to live

By Bobby Hallinan

Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers helmet lays on the sidelines against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers helmet lays on the sidelines against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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LSU football had taken some tough blows already this season, and now their mascot got horrible news.

The most recent gut punch for the program and its fans might be the worst of them all, though. Mike VI, LSU’s live-tiger mascot, was diagnosed with cancer in May of this year, and began undergoing radiation treatment in June; with treatment, the hope was that Mike could live another 1-2 years. On September 7, the school announced that rather than continuing the tradition of bringing Mike onto the field for games, they would for health reasons allow him to stay in his habitat on campus.

Finally, on Monday, LSU announced that despite the radiation treatments payed for by the school, Mike VI’s tumor, initially located on the right side of his head by his nose, had resumed growth, and spread to his right leg, his lung, and other places throughout his body.

Mike was given 1-2 months to live, though LSU’s Attending Veterinarian David Baker, DVM, PhD, has stated that Mike will not suffer: “We will not allow Mike to suffer,” said Dr. 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.”

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Mike has served as LSU’s mascot since 2007; his first season was the last time its football team won a national championship. While a Disney movie of this season would end in a magical undefeated run through December, the College Football Playoff committee deciding to give Mike and the Tigers one last shot at glory, and the team carrying Mike off the field on their shoulders after an unlikely National Championship, that’s probably not in the cards for this team.

Baker also announced that LSU has assigned him the task of searching animal rescue facilities for Mike VII.

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