oh, I know this is the worst part of being a rat owner!Watching him die for a week. But you gave him his whole 3 years a happy one. 3 years is old for a rat. It sounds like he is dieing of old age. I'm glad to hear you are smart enought to feed and water him,since he cannot. If he was in agony, you would probably know it. He'd be rolling around in pain, or running around, looking like he can't breathe. ( and your vet would have told you if it was respitory,and would suggest to put him down, if you can afford it.) so, if you can handle it, I would do what your doing now. He won't get better, the day he doesn't eat or drink, is the day he will go. Bury him, cry for him that day if you feel like it, then don't look back on this sad week. Don't do that to yourself. Maybe you'll go get another one? He sounds like he's o.k.
