The Latest: LSU: Live tiger mascot’s cancer has spread

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Latest on the condition of Louisiana State University’s live tiger mascot (all times local):

11:15 a.m.

Louisiana 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 tumour 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.

___

10:15 a.m.

Cancer found in the skull of Louisiana State University’s live tiger mascot has spread.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine announced that a CT scan and physical exam of the tiger, Mike VI, shows the tumour in his skull has grown and his cancer has spread. The school scheduled a press briefing Wednesday to discuss the tiger’s prognosis.

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.