Does intestinal inflammation alter the pathogenesis of E. coli Urinary Tract infections?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant health concern for dogs, representing one out of every six veterinary visits. Among these cases, up to 25% develop recurrent UTIs, increasing the need for frequent veterinary care, extended antibiotic therapy, and added expenses for pet owners. The rise of multidrug-resistant UTIs has pushed researchers to explore the pathophysiology of UTIs more deeply and seek unconventional treatment methods. 
UTIs in dogs are often caused by different strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), each with varying pathogenic potentials. However, the specific conditions and mechanisms leading to strain-specific UTIs are not well understood. The gut microbiome is a critical factor linked to UTI pathogenesis and is considered the primary reservoir for uropathogenic E. coli. The connection between the gut and the bladder, known as the "gut-bladder axis," plays a pivotal role in understanding host-pathogen interactions in UTI development.
This trial aims to explore the differences in gut inflammation and permeability among healthy dogs, dogs with long-term gut problems (chronic enteropathy) , and dogs with urinary tract infections (UTIs). It also is looking at the possible connection between gut issues and the risk of bacteria moving to other parts of the body, focusing on E. coli. The trial will use both indirect and direct ways to measure gut permeability and will also look at the genes of bacteria found. 
Dogs that are potentially eligible for this trial, will have a basic screening performed that includes questions about the dog’s history, a physical exam, blood work, a urinalysis and urine culture. Dogs will be enrolled into three different groups, healthy dogs, dogs with UTIs, and dogs with chronic enteropathy.  If your dog is deemed to be eligible for enrollment into one of the groups, they will be scheduled for two trial visits (trial day 1 and day 3) with the Internal Medicine Service at the Veterinary Medical Center. Stool samples from your dog will be needed from 3 concurrent days (trial days 1-3) to be collected by the owner.  On day 3, all dogs will stay a minimum of 8 hours at the Veterinary Medical Center to be tested for gut permeability. Dogs will have an intravenous (IV) catheter placed for blood collections, given an or medication called iohexol (a contrast agent commonly used in both veterinary and human medicine). Blood will be taken from the IV catheter over the next few hours, at designated timepoints, to be tested for the amount of iohexol that moves from the gut to the bloodstream.