LSU’s Mike the Tiger Diagnosed with Rare Form of Cancer

The sixth live tiger to serve as Louisiana State University's mascot has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

The university said in a statement Monday that Mike VI has a tumor in its face near its nose but doesn't appear to be in pain.

Veterinarians have developed a plan to treat Mike's spindle cell sarcoma with radiation therapy. Although the treatment isn't "curative," the school's statement says it could extend the 10-year-old tiger's life by one or two more years.

The 420-pound tiger was 2 years old when it arrived at LSU and lives in a 15,000-square-foot habitat next door to Tiger Stadium.

Mike appeared on the field for only one of LSU's football games last year.

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