In December 2006, Spike had completed all radiation and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer in March 2006. A one-foot section of large intestine (colon) was removed through an eight-inch (20 cm) incision in his stomach. The surgery, which took place on March 27, 2006 was said to be successful in removing all traces of the cancer. His rehabilitation is going well and he is expected to make a full recovery. The official website states Cassidy to be cancer free as of August 2008.