MHDs and Plants

Question
QUESTION: Hi, it's Erika again. I did what you told me to about the vet, and it worked. My teachers backed me up 100% and when I went to see the vet, he gave me Elliott's meds for free. He said that the lump was not an abscess, though. Since then, I have gotten some Eco-Earth substrate and I have fixed the dripper. The humidity is holding up okay, but I'd like for it to be near 75% all the time (expecially while I'm at school). I was wondering what type of real plants I could get for him. I don't want to get any that are poisonous. I've checked online for a list of plants that would be acceptable, but i can't find one. Could you help me out again? I would really appreciate it.
I think Elliott's going to be okay, thanks to you and all your suggestions.
     -Erika

ANSWER: Hi Erika, I'm so glad to hear that things are working out with Elliott. That was very nice of your vet, you should send him a little "thank you" note for doing that. What did he say the lump was and what kind of meds did he prescribe? Your feedback will help me to advise other people.

I've included a couple links from Melissa Kaplan's site on suitable plants for reptile cages, ones to include and ones to avoid.

http://www.anapsid.org/resources/plants2.html

http://www.anapsid.org/resources/plantinj.html

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He actually DID give him meds for an abscess. He perscribed him Baytril (enroflaxacin). However, he did say that he doesn't think that it is an abscess. As it turns out, I'm not so sure Elliott is doing so good anymore. I think he's really stressed out and I don't know what to do for him. When I soak him in his luke-warm bath, he closes his eyes and his head just slowly goes under the water. (Not his whole head, his mouth and nostrils). I sometines have to hold his head up for him. When I got home from school today (Monday) my mom said he wasn't doing very good. I went in to see him and he was sleeping but when I picked him up he opened his eyes up. I took him outside and set him on my shoulder to bask, but he layed his head down and closed his eyes again. Then when I went to check on him again about half an hour after I put him back in his cage, he didn't breathe for about 10-15 seconds. When he finally did take a breath, he jerked awake and breathed in deeply with his mouth wide open. I don't know what else to do for him and I am very worried. I'm worried he's not going to make it. Could you PLEASE tell me if there's anything more I can do? Before my mountain horned dragon, I had a chinese water dragon that ended up dying because he had a fungus that was too late to treat (it was inside him and didn't show up until the day before he died). I've been crying all day, and neither my mom nor myself can think of anything else to do for him. Even if you can't help now, I really do appreciate the help you've given me these past few weeks.
Please tell me if you think of anything else I can do for him.
    -Erika

Answer
Hi Erika, Oh, no. I fear that you have possibly lost him by now and I am so very sorry if that has happened. Take comfort in the fact that everyone did everything they could. You researched and corrected his husbandry, your mother stepped up with the financial commitment for the vet and your vet and teachers helped you out as well. Like you and your mom I did not have anything else to suggest for him.
He certainly had a longer and better quality of life in your care then had he been left in that pet store which is also something to take comfort in.
Losses like this and with your water dragon are hard but your strong reaction to them only underscores your level of commitment, passion and love for these type of animals. I hope these experiences have not turned you off the idea of keeping reptiles because the hobby needs more young, dedicated keepers like you. Take care.

Thea