For those asking the question..
Petromalt is a feline hairball remedy.  Basically like other hairball
remedies it consists of white ptroleum and molasses.  It is recommended that
the hairball remedy such as Petromalt or Laxatone or their equivalent be
administered once weekly(1/2 " to 1" ) and every or every other day during
shedding season (Spring and Fall).
 
The hairball remedies are swallowed and coat any hair or other foreign
debris in the ferrets stomach and assists in passing the aforementioned
residue through the digestive tract.  It is very IMPORTANT to get your
ferrets into this routine.  They preen themselves just like a cat and though
you are not aware do indeed ingest hair.  Unlike the cat seldom are ferrets
able to cough up a hairball.  ..  rather it sits in the stomach and knots up
getting bigger and bigger.
 
IF you realize there is a problem and you take it to the vet...  an xray
would be required to diagnose the problem and possibly the vet could help
with evacuation of the hairball if it has gone beyond the quick fix of
hairball remedy...  if not it becomes a matter of SURGICALLY REMOVING the
obstruction caused by the hairball.
 
All this can be prevented with routine maintenance--- administering hairball
remedy on a regular basis... A VERY worthwhile investment
 
Happy ferreting
[Posted in FML issue 1463]