Hometown: Vancouver, WA
Undergraduate degree: Animal Sciences (WSU)
Area of interest: Small Animal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Pathology
Lorelei Derenne, a member of the Class of 2028, is using her summer research fellowship to investigate how veterinarians can more effectively manage primary canine glaucoma, a painful and often blinding condition that affects dogs. Working with Dr. Travis Brown and Dr. Kevin Kaiser, Derenne’s project focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of commonly used topical medications to better understand how they perform in real-world clinical cases.
Her research centers on three widely prescribed treatments — latanoprost, dorzolamide and a combination of dorzolamide and timolol — which lower intraocular pressure through different mechanisms. While these medications are routinely used in practice, much of the existing research has been conducted in healthy eyes or small, breed-specific populations. To address this gap, Derenne will conduct a two-phase study that includes a meta-analysis of existing literature and a retrospective review of clinical cases from a regional specialty eye clinic.
By comparing how these medications perform in dogs with naturally occurring glaucoma, her work aims to identify which treatments are most effective at preserving vision and slowing disease progression. The findings could help guide more evidence-based treatment decisions and improve quality of life for affected animals.
Derenne says the project reflects both her academic interests and career goals.
“This disease has a negative impact on the quality of life of many animals,” she said. “I want to expand our knowledge of treating this disease and make a difference in the field of veterinary ophthalmology.”