Mike VI, the University’s live Tiger mascot, was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, according to a press release.
Without radiation treatment, Mike could live an estimated 1-2 months. With treatment, he may live 1-2 high-quality years, according to the press release. 
Mike’s veterinarian David Baker said his students noticed a slight swelling under Mike’s right eye on May 1. On May 12, Mike was sedated and brought to the vet school for tests, according to the release. Baker said Mike did not exhibit any other clinical signs, such as a change in appetite or behavior.
After a CT scan, specialists at LSU and other institutions determined Mike had a lemon-sized tumor near his nose. Baker said he thinks the tumor has been there for “some” months.
Baker said roughly 25 specialists helped provide an accurate diagnosis.
“The tumor is inoperable. The condition is incurable,” Baker said.
Spindle cell sarcoma is “a malignant tumor derived from fibrous connective tissues of the body,” according to the release. This type of cancer is unlikely to spread to other parts of the body.
The release said Mike will receive a highly sophisticated form of radiation therapy called “Stereotactic radiotherapy” or SRT. His treatments will be performed at Mary Bird Perkins–Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.
The logistics of transporting Mike to Mary Bird Perkins are still being worked out, Baker said, but he thinks it can be done. They have not set a time for the treatments to begin, but Baker said he’s hoping for sooner rather than later.
Baker said they are still working to determine how many radiation treatments Mike will undergo. Baker also said Mary Bird Perkins and the vet school are covering the cost of Mike’s treatment.
Mike will not be let back into his yard until after he has recovered from the treatment, Baker said.
The treatment is one-of-kind, Baker said. He said this treatment has never been used on a tiger.
“We’re doing things that have not been done…This is very innovative,” Baker said. “This is all very new.”
Baker said there was a chance Mike may not survive the anesthesia or might experience serious complications from the treatment. But he said the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Mike’s attitude has not seemed to change, according to the press release, and he does not appear to be in pain. 
“We haven’t seen any changes in his behavior. He’s still tearing down trees in his yard,” Baker said. “He’s behaving perfectly normally.”