The purpose of this study was to determine whether canine-derived fibrinogen concentrate applied with bovine thrombin was a safe and effective topical hemostatic agent. A canine liver biopsy model was selected to test this product. Cryoprecipitate was prepared from frozen canine plasma using two freeze/thaw/centrifugation cycles. Six healthy adult dogs (weighing more than 18 kg) were used in the fibrin sealant study, and an additional three dogs were used as controls for the liver biopsy. A 1 x 3 cm liver biopsy specimen was obtained, digital pressure was applied to reduce bleeding, and the fibrinogen concentrate was immediately sprayed on the bleeding surface simultaneously with bovine thrombin (1,000 IU/mL). The mean +/- standard error of the mean (SEM) blood pressure at time of biopsy was 98 +/- 9 mm Hg, and the rate of hemorrhage from the cut liver edge was 8.0 +/- 1.1 mL/min. The total blood loss during fibrin sealant application was 37 +/- 9 mL and total time for hemostasis was 5.5 +/- 1.3 minutes. There was no additional hemorrhage after application of the fibrin sealant. In the three control dogs, fibrin sealant was not applied and only digital compression was used to decrease hemorrhage. Before digital compression, the rate of hemorrhage from the cut liver edge was 13.1 +/- 3.1 mL/min. Bleeding had not stopped after 10 minutes of compression and the mean postcompression rate of hemorrhage was 4.0 +/- 2.6 mL/min. Signs of secondary bleeding after fibrin sealant was applied were not evident during the immediate postoperative period or over the next 14 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)