LSU attending veterinarian David Baker said Mike VI has 1-2 months to live during a press conference Wednesday. 
A CT and physical exam on Oct. 3 revealed Mike VI’s cancer has resumed growth and spread. Baker said the cancer had spread to his lungs and his legs. A press release said Mike VI would be humanely euthanized before he succumbs to the disease.
“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.”
Baker said vets have not seen this kind of “aggressive cancer” before.
Mike VI will be outside on days when he feels up to it, though caretakers will keep him inside if they feel it’s in his best interest.
Baker said the search for Mike VII has begun. The search for Mike VI lasted three months.
“We do plan to obtain one from a rescue facility,” Baker said. “I’m confident we can do so. I don’t know how long that search will take.”
Baker said the university will plan to create an in-house hospice for Mike so the LSU community can say its “goodbyes.”
“It’s very disappointing, saddening to have to euthanize any animal,” Baker said. “Certainly one that has the personality as Mike VI.”
In June Mike was transported to Mary Bird Perkins—Our Lady of the Lake Cancer for sterotatic radiotherapy. The treatment used Elektra Versa HD, which is considered one of the more advanced radiotherapy systems, according to a press release in June.
The LSU athletic department has handled most of the cost for Mike’s treatment.
Baker said Mike VI will be cremated and his remains will be placed inside the LSU sports museum, along with Mike IV and Mike V.