Long canes.......No bud eyes

As my bushes are defoliating, I can inspect the canes a lot better. I noticed on several bushes that that have nice long canes (about a mtr plus long), but no bud eyes along its length. Yep that means no leaves except at the top with flowers.
 
Since I have not seen this before, I assume that if you prune , nothing is going to happen......or am I wrong.........or, if it is no good do I prune it right off the bush.....

Turn it into a standard? Or prune the piece off to use as a standard?
Sounds odd...

Good question Neptune,,,, I'd like the answer to this one as well

John, I guess photo or two is out of the question of the offending cane, close up if possible.