My Yodie had a polyp that grew from her ear down into her throat and it caused her to cough, although that isn't the word I would use to describe it but I don't really have a word. She jerked her head in the same way and it's probably because she was trying to swallow, not knowing what it was and that it was stuck there. She didn't eat much either because it hurt to swallow and it also cut off her air that she needed to breathe. If it is indeed a polyp, your vet may be able to laser it, which is what my vet did. Yodie had a sore throat for a couple of days afterwards but she was fine and has been ever since. Good luck and keep us posted. We're praying for you both.