I know I've said this before but my dogs have never had a problem bothering their sutures or incisions. Never had to use an e-collar either. I'll have to ask my vet if she does anything different. I know she does put a yellow antibiotic powder on the incisions. Also you mentioned that Moe had staples, I wonder if this are more bothersome than sutures?
Did you see my picture of a big incision on Roady's head on that other thread as I was finally able to upload it to my webpage.? Really not a webpage, just a place to store pictures. He didn't fuss with it one bit.
I know I didn't answer your question but maybe some of this powder will help. I knew the name once but it's since excaped me. Betsy might know.
Have you tried keeping him busy with a Kong or marrow bone? Another thing I've done when we felt my dog shouldn't be home alone all day when recovering from an illness or surgery is drop him off at the vets on my way to work and pick him up on the way home.
I hope Moe continute to improve and suspect he'll be feeling better even sooner than you expect.
