Falkor got done yesterday,and I understand you feelings about using a collar.But I also agree with all the other responses.
If it saves you and him from getting an infection it is worth the aggravation.
We have one of those cone collars, the real term is elizabethen collar.
That last time I used one was for Magic after surgery on multi tumors.But we found an old collar in the closet the human kind that they use on people, and I used that instead,and it worked better.
They don't like any of them but they get used to it and not given any choice they just turn to make you feel guilty.
Falkor is so far leaving things alone.And I'm sure as it heals it will itch so tonite I will start using a collar.
During the day when we can watch him,we will leave it off.
As long as he doesn't lick the stitches or irrate the insision.he should be fine. Poor baby,his for lack of a better term,ball sacks are hanging and that bothers him more than the stitches at this point. But I know they will retract over time.
Good luck, us MOM's do worry and we are real suckers for the guilt trip they put us through but remember MOM usually knows best.
Here's a joke I found the other day
Tricia and the fur kids