New Chinese Water Dragon

Question
I just received a juvenile male chinese water dragon from a local breeder about a week ago. I have done all the research about proper care, lighting, habitiat, heat, humidity, etc. The first day I got him home he was absolutely exhausted, and would barely stay awake for more than 5 minutes. But as soon as I put some crickets in the cage, he went crazy and ate a bunch of them, so I figured he hadn't eaten in a while. Since then I haven't seen him eat, and have yet to see him drink. Is is something that is commonly observed, or do they eat and drink when no one is around? I also noticed he has a hard lump in the middle of his back left calf, which is what worries me. He walks fine on it now, and it doesn't seem to bother him. I bought calcium and vitamin D3 powder to dust the crickets with, and have been keeping him under the daytime reptile bulb for about 12-14 hours, the night bulb the rest of the night. He has improved slightly, and is beginning to stay awake longer and explore a bit, but he still isn't very active, and does sleep most of the time. I wasn't sure if he just needs his rest to adapt to his new home, or if he is ill. Do you know if a lump on his leg means a definate fracture, or could it just be a symptom of a weak bone? If so, and it has healed over, will it effect his life? And do you know an average cost of a stool sample, xray, and bloodwork? Also, is there an estimated time for recovery from calcium deficiency? I suspect the breeder didn't take proper care of him, and I have barely slept because I wake up several times a night just to make sure he's still alive. Sorry for all the questions, I just love the little guy and am so worried about him. I wasn't able to find really specific information on the internet, only basics about these issues. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hello Ashley, I just want to let you know that unless he is 18 inches or bigger then you can't be sure of the gender. No matter what the breeder says. So don't assume. Its good that you did research and you want to make sure he is healthy. It sounds like the breeder didn't care for him too good. How many crickets did he eat the first day? This is a new home for him and he is probably stressed knowing that everything around him is now different and I am sure he is still uncertain wether or not you are a predator. Give him time to warm up to you and his new home. This could be why he is uncertain of eating. If you want you can wrap up his enclosure with a sheet keep the lights on and take a little peek on him. Right after you put in crickets. THis way he feels secure and doesn't know that you are watching. You have a large water dish for swimming correct? They do drink you might not see them do it everyday but it gets done. Just make sure he knows its there. Dont touch him a bunch until he gets settled in. I am sorry to tell you this but the bump sounds like the start of MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease) It is a calcium defiency and can be treated if caught early enough. Whatever it is it shouldn't be taken lightly and he is in need of a good herp vet
http://www.herpvetconnections.com That site has lists of recommended vets according to your area
I have not had any problems with my water dragons as of yet and do not know the approximate costs for vet work. You can always call and see what they recommend and get an estimate. Some vets also will do payment plans if money is an issue. I don't know about calcium defiency recovery times as it is a medical question that I have yet to research. I am very sorry that this breeder didn't seem to take care of his animals and I hope you little guy pulls through. I know of a GREAT breeder if not. She is in California and I am not sure if she is comfortable shipping but I can look into it for you. I will include some links that might help you out.

http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com
This is a forum site that I am a member of and visit regularly. You can talk to fellow Water Dragon owners and post pictures participate in a photo contest and ask and answer questions. It is really helpful and I hope you can join
http://www.repticzone.com/forums/WaterDragons/index.html

Anything else just go ahead and ask. I hope all goes well good luck. Let me know how it goes!