one of my past great danes had acl surgery and was in a cast for 6 weeks. she absolutely would not tolerate a cone, it made her frantic. the problem was that her toes were exposed and she licked them to the point where she created sores.

i came up with this...these are 2 thick, long beach towels folded lengthwise in thirds, wrapped tightly around her neck and secured with duct tape. wrapped tightly enough, this prevented her from being able to bend her neck enough to reach around to lick her toes. she accepted it immediately after giving me a bit of stink eye.

another alternative to a cone is a novaguard. it isn't as cumbersome and not nearly as uncomfortable as the typical cone.

https://protectivepetsolutions.com/products/novaguard-recovery-collar

there is also a "no bite" collar. it works the same way as the towel method.

https://www.amazon.com/KVP-Bite-Collar-21-25-Width/dp/B006RQU62S/ref=asc_df_B006RQU62S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198060275213&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9257602210740027533&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022630&hvtargid=pla-355937921758&psc=1

What sleeve?

I've never used anything but a soft cone. I doubt any dog is comfortable in a cone but they adapt. If it isn't too many days, just give him a lot of tlc to help him tough it out. You can take it off periodically if you are watching him carefully to be sure he doesn't mess with his leg. Tell him it's for his own good. Hope he recovers well and quickly.

Have you tried an inflatable cone? Not a cone at all but more like an inflatable neck pillow. Mine had one after surgery ad he didn't mind it at all. He actually used it as a pillow!

Thanks Nina and gardengal for posting those suggested collars. There really are improvements over the traditional lampshade cones. The novaguard looks good except I don't think a dog could eat or drink wearing it.